recommendations of the supervised visitation standards ......domestic violence online tutorials the...
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Recommendations of the
Supervised Visitation Standards Committee
Report to the Florida Legislature
December 2008
Clearinghouse on Supervised VisitationInstitute for Family Violence Studies
College of Social WorkFlorida State University
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HoW to ReaCH USInstitute and Clearinghouse staff may be contacted in the following ways:
Phone 850.644.6303
Email [email protected]
Mailing Address InstituteforFamilyViolenceStudies
ClearinghouseonSupervisedVisitation
CollegeofSocialWork
FloridaStateUniversity
296ChampionsWay
Tallahassee,FL32306-2570
Visit our website http//familyvio.csw.fsu.edu
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taBLe oF CoNteNtS
TheInstituteforFamilyViolenceStudies......................................................................................................6Overview...........................................................................................................................................6TheMissionoftheInstitute..............................................................................................................6AffiliatedFaculty...............................................................................................................................6InstituteProjects...............................................................................................................................7
TheClearinghouseonSupervisedVisitation.................................................................................................8Overview...........................................................................................................................................8TheGoalsoftheClearinghouse........................................................................................................8
Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................................9
ReportoftheSupervisedVisitationStandardsCommittee..........................................................................10IntroductionandBackground.........................................................................................................10TheFloridaPolicyContext.............................................................................................................11TheLegislativeMandate.................................................................................................................11CommitteeMembers......................................................................................................................12StafftotheCommittee....................................................................................................................13
PhilosophyandWorkProduct....................................................................................................................14Intent..............................................................................................................................................14TransparencyandDiligence.............................................................................................................14NewDefinitions..............................................................................................................................16MissionStatement...........................................................................................................................16
OverviewoftheGuidingPrinciples.............................................................................................................17PrincipleOne:Safety.......................................................................................................................17PrincipleTwo:Training...................................................................................................................17PrincipleThree:DignityandDiversity............................................................................................17PrincipleFour:Community............................................................................................................17
VisitationTragediesSensitizeCommittee....................................................................................................18ConcernaboutNon-ProgramSupervisedVisitationProviders.........................................................19TrainingAlreadyAvailablebutUnder-Utilized................................................................................19
ANoteRegardingLegislativelyChangedTerminology................................................................................19
FormalRecommendationstotheFloridaLegislatureandCourts................................................................20ImplementationandNextSteps......................................................................................................23Conclusion......................................................................................................................................23
Definitions..................................................................................................................................................24
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PrincipleOne:Safety...................................................................................................................................26 IntroductionandOverview....................................................................................................................26TheStandards.......................................................................................................................................26
For Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Programs I AllProgramsmusthavewrittenpoliciesontopicsthatrelatedirectlyandindirectlytosafety......27 II ThephysicallayoutoftheProgrampremisesmustbedesignedtomeetthesafety
andcomfortneedsofparticipants................................................................................................28 III AllProgramsmusthaveagreementsandordersrequiredforreferrals...........................................28 IV Allcasesmustbescreenedusingadangerassessment...................................................................32 V Intakemustbeconductedinallcases..........................................................................................34 VI AllProgramsmusthavecaseacceptance,rejection,andterminationpolicies...............................34 VII TheProgramretainsdiscretiontomakedecisions.......................................................................35 VIII ChildOrientationmustbeheldinmostcases.............................................................................36 IX CaseFiles,VisitRecords,ObservationNotes,andReportstotheCourt
mustfollowspecificprocedures...................................................................................................36 X AllProgramsshallhavewrittenconfidentialitypoliciestoprotect
thesafetyofparticipants..............................................................................................................39 XI Periodiccasereviewisessentialtoenhancesafety.........................................................................41 XII AllProgramsmusthavethrough,writtensecuritypolicies...........................................................42 XIII AllProgramsmusthavepoliciestoenhancechildsafety...............................................................43 XIV AllProgramsmusthavespecialsafetyprotocolsforcasesinvolvingchildsexualabuse.................45 XV AllProgramsmusthavewrittengiftpolicies................................................................................46 XVI AllProgramsmusthavegeneralandliabilityinsuranceforstaffandvolunteers...........................47 XVII SupervisedVisitationProgramstaffshallnotmakerecommendationsasto
thecustodyorlong-termplacementofthechild..........................................................................47 XVIII AnyOff-SiteVisitationissubjecttoincreasedsafetymeasuresandtraining.................................47For Stand-Alone Monitored Exchange Programs XIX AllStand-AloneMonitoredExchangePrograms(withoutaSupervisedVisitationcomponent)
musthavespecificwrittenoperatingpolicies...............................................................................50 XX Thephysicallayoutofthepremisesmustmeetthesafetyneedsofparticipants
forthebriefperiodoftheexchange.............................................................................................51 XXI AllStand-AloneMonitoredExchangeProgramsmusthavedocumentationforeachreferral.......51 XXII Eachcasemustbescreenedandassessedforpotentialdangers.....................................................53 XXIII IntakepoliciesenhancesecurityatMonitoredExchangePrograms..............................................55 XXIV Caseacceptance,rejection,andterminationpoliciesarerequiredat
MonitoredExchangePrograms....................................................................................................56 XXV MonitoredExchangeProgramsretaindiscretionforacceptance,rejection,
andterminationofeachcase.......................................................................................................57 XXVI Acasefilemustbecreatedforeachfamilyandkeptaccordingtostandardsofconfidentiality......58XXVII MonitoredExchangeProgramsshallhavewrittenconfidentialitypolicies
toprotectthesafetyofparticipants..............................................................................................60XXVIII PeriodiccasereviewisrequiredatMonitoredExchangePrograms...............................................61 XXIX SecuritypoliciesarerequiredatMonitoredExchangePrograms..................................................62 XXX AllMonitoredExchangeProgramsmusthavegeneralandliabilityinsurance
forstaffandvolunteers................................................................................................................63 XXXI MonitoredExchangeProgramstaffshallnotmakerecommendations
astothecustodyorlong-termplacementofthechild.................................................................63
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PrincipleTwo:Training...............................................................................................................................64 IntroductionandOverview...........................................................................................................64 TheStandardsforAllPrograms.....................................................................................................64
I AllSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangestaffandvolunteersmustmeetminimumqualifications..............................................................64
II Programpersonnelmusthaverole-specificminimumresponsibilitiesandqualifications..............65 III TrainingisrequiredforallProgramstaffandvolunteers..............................................................70 IV AllProgramstaffmustparticipateincontinuingeducation.........................................................73 V AllProgrampersonnelmustabidebyaCodeofConduct...........................................................73
PrincipleThree:DignityandDiversity........................................................................................................75 IntroductionandOverview...........................................................................................................75 TheStandardsforAllPrograms.....................................................................................................75
I AllProgramsmusthavenon-discriminatorypractices..................................................................75 II AllProgramsmustprioritizestaffdiversity..................................................................................76 III AllProgramsshouldprovideinterpretersasneededwithinProgramresources.............................76 IV AllProgramsmustberesponsivetodiverseviewsoffamily..........................................................77 V AllProgramsmustundertakeaperiodicassessmentofmulticulturalismefforts...........................78 VI AllProgramsmusthaveagrievanceprocedure.............................................................................78 VII AllProgramsmusthaveaconfidentialitypolicytoprotectclients................................................78 VIII AllProgramsmustfollowspecificruleswhenofferingdifferentlevelsofservice...........................79
PrincipleFour:Community........................................................................................................................80 IntroductionandOverview...........................................................................................................80 TheStandardsforAllPrograms.....................................................................................................80
I SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramstaffshouldbeknowledgeableaboutothercommunityagencies....................................80
II Programoutreachandcross-trainingisessential..........................................................................82 III Participationincommunitygroupsisessential............................................................................84
RecommendedCertificationProcess............................................................................................................86
AppendixMaterials.....................................................................................................................................91 SampleForms................................................................................................................................93 CourtOrderforSupervisedVisitation(DependencyCases)....................................................93 CourtOrderforSupervisedVisitation(Non-dependencyCases).............................................95 SupervisedVisitationStandardDependencyReferral...............................................................98 MinimumElementsofanAgreementwithParticipants.........................................................103 IntakeElementsforDependencyCases.................................................................................104 IntakeElementsforNon-DependencyCases.........................................................................106 ListofFloridaSupervisedVisitationPrograms............................................................................108 OptionalComplianceForms.......................................................................................................123 CommitteeMeetingInformation................................................................................................131
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tHe INStItUte FoR FamILy VIoLeNCe StUDIeSTheInstitutewasestablishedwithintheFloridaStateUniversityCollegeofSocialWorkwithagiftfromHowellFergusoninthemid1990’s.Untilherretirementinearly2006,Dr.SharonMaxwelldirectedtheInstitute,mostnotablydevelopinglastingpartnershipswithkeystate,federal,andprivateentities.TheseincludetheFloridaCoalitionAgainstDomesticViolence(FCADV),theFloridaCouncilAgainstSexualViolence(FCASV),theLeonCountySheriff ’sOffice,theCityofTallahassee,theFloridaDepartmentofHealth(DOH),theFloridaDepartmentofChildrenandFamilies(DCF),andtheU.S.DepartmentofJustice.
Dr.WendyCrookbecametheDirectoroftheInstitutein2006.Shebroughtahistoryofprofessionalworkindomesticviolence,ascholarlyfocusonissuesofgender,inequality,anddiscrimination,andexperienceasanadministratorinbothprofessionalandacademicsettingstotheInstitute.UponDr.Crook’sretirementin2007,KarenOehme,whohadservedasClearinghousedirectorfornearlyadecade,wasappointedDirectoroftheInstitute,andexpandedittoincludeaLawEnforcementFamiliesPartnership,withthecollaborationoftheFloridaDepartmentofLawEnforcementandtheFloridaPoliceChiefsAssociation.Oehmecurrentlyservesascoordinatorofthelegislatively-mandatedSupervisedVisitationStandardsAdvisoryCommittee,whichproducedthisreport.
tHe mISSIoN oF tHe INStItUte
The endowed Institute for Family Violence Studies has been established within the College of Social Work to:
Researchfamilyviolenceasitoccursinallagegroups,includingchildren,adults,andtheelderly.
Identifyandexplorerelatedresearchdomains,includingSupervisedVisitation,homelessness,andwomen’sissues.
Disseminatethefindingsofthisresearchatthelocal,state,national,andinternationallevels.
Evaluatetheeffectivenessoffamilyviolenceinterventions.
Developinnovativeresourcesforreducingfamilyviolenceinlawenforcementfamilies.
Analyzelegislationaddressingfamilyviolenceissues.
Developcurriculathatstrengthensocialworkstudiesonfamilyviolence.
Providecontinuingeducationandtrainingopportunitiestothoseworkinginagencieswhichprovideinterventionstothoseexperiencingfamilyviolence.
ServeasaregionalClearinghouseonresourcesrelatedtofamilyviolence.
Collaboratewiththecourts,lawenforcement,andcommunityorganizationsonfamilyviolenceconcerns.
aFFILIateD FaCULty
Florida State University faculty who are associated with the Institute include the following:
William Bales, Ph.D.,AssociateProfessor,CollegeofCriminologyandCriminalJusticeExpertiseincorrectionalpracticesandprograms.
Patricia Y. Martin, Ph.D.,DaisyParkFloryProfessorofSociology
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Expertiseinwomenandorganizationsaswellasgenderissues.
M. Sharon Maxwell, Ph.D.,ProfessorEmeritaExpertiseindomesticviolence,sexualassault,andpublicpolicy.
Nicholas F. Mazza, Ph.D., LCSW,DeanoftheCollege,andPatriciaV.VanceProfessorofSocialWorkExpertiseincrisisinterventionandtheartsincommunity/clinicalpractice.
Dan Mears, Ph.D.,AssociateProfessor,CollegeofCriminologyandCriminalJusticeExpertiseindomesticviolence.
Melissa Radey, Ph.D.,AssistantProfessorExpertiseinrace/ethnicity,singlemothers,socialsupport,andself-sufficiency.
Karen Randolph, Ph.D.,AssociateProfessorExpertiseinsubstanceusepreventionforat-riskyouth.
Darcy Siebert, Ph.D.,AssociateProfessorExpertiseinfirstresponderissues,familyviolence,andsubstanceabuse.
Nat Stern, J.D.,JohnW.andAshleyE.FrostProfessor,CollegeofLawExpertiseinconstitutionallawissues,thecourtsystem,andpolicyenvironment.
Martell Teasley, Ph.D.,AssistantProfessorExpertiseinviolenceintheschools.
Linda Vinton, Ph.D.,ProfessorExpertiseinelderabuseanddomesticviolence.
Dina Wilke, Ph.D.,AssociateProfessorExpertiseinfamilyviolenceandsubstanceabuse,includingsubstance-abusingmothersinthewelfaresystem.
INStItUte PRojeCtS
Clearinghouse on Supervised Visitation
TechnicalassistanceandtrainingtoSupervisedVisitation(SV)Programs
TheSVDatabase
Liaisontothejudiciary,DCF,andthelegislatureregardingSupervisedVisitation
Domestic Violence Online Tutorials
TheIntersectionofdomesticviolenceandchildmaltreatment
Competency-BasedTrainingManualsforthefollowing:MealsonWheelsVolunteersandotherelderservicesstaff;WICandothernutritionstaff;animalabuseinvestigators;andcommunitycentralhealthcenterstaff
Law Enforcement Families Partnership
Trainingcurriculumdesignedtoreduceandpreventofficer-relateddomesticviolence
Resourcesforlawenforcementadministrators
Dataandresearchondisciplinaryproceedingsagainstlawenforcementpersonnel
Florida Domestic Violence Needs Assessments
Florida Sexual Violence Needs Assessment
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tHe CLeaRINgHoUSe oN SUPeRVISeD VISItatIoN
TheClearinghouseonSupervisedVisitationwascreatedin1996throughanappropriationfromtheOfficeoftheStateCourtsAdministratortoprovidestatewidetechnicalassistanceonissuesrelatedtothedeliveryofSupervisedVisitationservicestoproviders,thejudiciary,andFlorida’sDepartmentofChildrenandFamilies(DCF).Since1996theClearinghousehasreceivedcontractsonanannualbasisfromtheDepartmentofChildrenandFamiliestocontinuethisimportantwork.In1998theClearinghousepublishedthefirsttrainingmanualonSupervisedVisitation,A Competency-Based Training Manual for Florida’s Supervised Visitation Providers,coveringtherecommendedtrainingcontentforprovidersdevelopedbytheFloridaSupremeCourt.Thenewmanual,A Training Manual for Florida’s Supervised Visitation Programs,publishedin2006,isacompletelyrevisedandupdatedcurriculum,availablefreeonline.
Since1996theClearinghousehasalsoproducedtwonewsletters:TheBar&BenchVisitationReportandTheFamilyVisitationTimes.TheClearinghousehasproducedtechnicalassistancetools,includingthe2003manualChild Sexual Abuse Referrals: A Curriculum for Supervised Visitation Providersandthe2004Referrals to Supervised Visitation Programs: A Manual for Florida’s Judges,acurriculumforwhichjudgesreceivecontinuingjudicialeducationcredit.Twocomprehensiveadministrativeguideshavebeenproducedanddisseminated:A Toolkit on Monitored ExchangeandA Toolkit for Collaboration Between Florida’s Colleges and Universities and Supervised Visitation Programs.Inaddition,theClearinghousehasprovidedon-sitetrainingthroughouttheUnitedStatesandCanada,conductedtelephonicandweb-basedtrainingforproviders,andrespondedtotelephonerequestsforassistancefromprovidersandthecourtsacrossthecountry.In2005theClearinghousereceivedfundingtocreateanonlinedatabasetocollectSupervisedVisitationdata.InJanuary2007thefirstdatareport,Florida’s Supervised Visitation Programs: A Report from the Clearinghouse,waspublished.ThatreportrevealedprogrammaticandadministrativedetailsfromFlorida’sSupervisedVisitationPrograms.
In2007,theFloridaLegislatureamendedChapter753.03FloridaStatutestoauthorizetheClearinghousetodevelopnewstandardsforFloridaSupervisedVisitationProgramstoensurethesafetyandqualityofeachProgram.
TheU.S.DepartmentofJustice’sOfficeonViolenceagainstWomenhasalsofundedtheClearinghouseinthepasttoprovidetechnicalassistanceandtrainingtofederalSafeHavensSupervisedVisitationgrantees.
tHe goaLS oF tHe CLeaRINgHoUSe
TocontributetotheknowledgebaseonSupervisedVisitation
ToconductresearchregardingSupervisedVisitationpractices
ToprovidetechnicalassistanceandtrainingtoSupervisedVisitationproviders
Toprovidecoordinationamongthecourtsystem,socialservicesagencies,andthelegislatureregardingSupervisedVisitationpracticesandpolicies
TomonitorandadvocateforpoliciesthataresupportiveofthegoalsofSupervisedVisitation
TopromoteSupervisedVisitationProgrameffectiveness
ToraisepublicawarenessregardingSupervisedVisitation
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aCkNoWLeDgemeNtS
Inshapingtheserecommendations,theClearinghouseonSupervisedVisitationandFlorida’sSupervisedVisitationStandardsCommitteedrewontheexpertise,models,resources,publications,andpoliciesofmanyorganizationsandagencies,includingthefollowing:theSupervisedVisitationNetwork,theCaliforniaAdministrativeOfficesoftheCourts,theKansasAttorneyGeneral’sOffice,theOfficeonViolenceagainstWomen,PraxisInternational,SafeHaven/SupervisedVisitationgranteesoftheDepartmentofJustice,theNationalCouncilofJuvenileandFamilyCourtJudges,theFloridaChapteroftheSupervisedVisitationNetwork,theFloridaOfficeoftheStateCourtsAdministrator,theFloridaDepartmentofChildrenandFamilies,theFloridaCoalitionagainstDomesticViolence,theFloridaGuardianadLitemProgram,andtheFloridaCouncilAgainstSexualViolence.Weareindebtedtothesegroupsfortheworktheyhavedonetoprotectvulnerablefamilies.Weareindebtedtothesegroups,aswellastothemanyFloridasupervisedvisitationprogramswhoparticipatedinthisprocess,fortheworktheyhavedonetoprotectvulnerablefamilies.
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RePoRt oF tHe SUPeRVISeD VISItatIoN CommIttee INtRoDUCtIoN aND BaCkgRoUND
SupervisedVisitationProgramsallowparentswhomaybearisktotheirchildrenortoanotherparenttoexperienceparent-childcontactwhileinthepresenceofanappropriatethirdparty.Useofacaseworker,relative,orotherthirdpartytooverseesuchcontacthaslongbeenrecognizedasessentialinchildmaltreatmentcasesinwhichthechildhasbeenremovedfromthehome.
Beginninginthelate1980’s,SupervisedVisitationProgramsemergedinsomestatesasaservicenecessaryforfamiliesexperiencingseparationanddivorce,whenconflictbetweentheparentsnecessitatesan“outsideresource”toallowthechildcontactwithaparent.Thus,Programsweredevelopedforcasesinwhichaparentisaccusedofsubstanceabuse,mentalhealthissues,poorparenting,riskofparentalabduction,orlackofarelationshipwiththechild.Inaddition,theepidemicofdomesticviolenceandconcernforthesafetyofthevictimandchildrenatvisitationhasresultedinthecreationofSupervisedVisitationProgramsforfamilyviolencecases.
Supervised Visitation Programs may offer a variety of services to enable this contact to occur:
One-to-onesupervision(onesupervisorassignedtoasinglefamily);
Monitoredexchanges(supervisionofachild’smovementbetweentheparentsimmediatelybeforeandafterunsupervisedparentingtime);
Groupsupervision(supervisionofseveralfamiliesatatime);
Telephonemonitoring(monitoringphonecallsfromthenonresidentialparenttothechild);
Ancillaryservices,suchasparentingeducation;and
Therapeuticsupervision(mentalhealthprofessionalsprovidingtherapy/counselingtothefamilyduringthevisit).
TodayFloridaisattheforefrontofthedevelopmentofSupervisedVisitationProgramsnationally.ThefirstSupervisedVisitationPrograminthestate,theFamilyNurturingCenterofJacksonville,openedin1993.By1996,therewere15Programsinthestate.By2004,over60Programshadopened.Currently,everyjudicialcircuitinthestateishometoatleastoneSupervisedVisitationProgram.Nostand-aloneMonitoredExchangePrograms(whichoperatewithoutofferingsupervisedvisits)existyetinFlorida,thoughtheCommitteeanticipatesthedevelopmentoftheseProgramsinthenearfuture,asotherstateshaveseenarapidriseintheirdevelopment.
InJanuary2005theClearinghouseonSupervisedVisitationwithintheInstituteforFamilyViolenceStudiesfundedbytheDepartmentofChildrenandFamilies,startedcollectingSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramandservicedatainaweb-baseddatabase.Program-leveldataincludeinformationabouttheProgramsthemselvessuchaslocation,fundingsources,numberofemployeesandvolunteers,etc.Service-leveldataconsistofinformationonclientsandtheservicestheyreceive.AsofOctober2008,theFloridadatabasehousedatFSUholdsinformationon9,255cases,37,119clients,and128,803servicesrepresentingdataenteredsinceJanuary2005.Includedaredependencycases,domesticviolencecases,anddivorce/paternitycasesinvolvingcustodydisputes.
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tHe FLoRIDa PoLICy CoNtext
Florida’sModelFamilyCourtspecificallyincludes“theutilizationofqualifiedProgramsforSupervisedVisitationand/orMonitoredExchange”asanessentialcomponentofsuchcourts.TheFloridaSupremeCourt’sFamilyCourtSteeringCommitteedevelopedaskeletalsetofstandardsforSupervisedVisitationandExchangeProgramsin1998tocreateuniformityinsuchareasasstafftraining,terminology,andbasicpracticenorms.ChiefJusticeMajorHardingendorsedtheFloridaSupremeCourt’sMinimumStandardsforSupervisedVisitationProgramAgreementsandcraftedanadministrativeorderin1999mandatingthatchiefjudgesofeachcircuitenterintoagreementswithlocalProgramsthatagreetocomplywiththeStandards.ThepurposesofprovidingSupervisedVisitationexpressedbytheStandardsare,“(1)Toensurethesafetyandwelfareofthechild,adults,andProgramstaffduringsupervisedcontact;(2)Toenableanongoingrelationshipbetweenparentandchildbyimpartiallyobservingtheircontactinasafeandstructuredenvironmentandtofacilitateappropriatechild/parentinteractionduringsupervisedcontact”(FloridaSupremeCourt,1999,p.3).However,JusticeHardingrecognizedthelimitedabilityofthecourtsystemtocreateandenforcestandardsforPrograms.HewrotetotheSpeakeroftheFloridaHouseofRepresentativesandtothePresidentoftheSenate,saying,inpart:
ThelackofguidelinesorstandardsfortheseProgramsandlackofoversightofthese[SupervisedVisitation]Programs,particularlyastostaffandvisitorsafetyandstafftraining,isofgreatconcern…Iurgethelegislaturetoconsiderestablishingacertificationprocess,anddesignateanentityoutsideofthejudicialbranchtoberesponsibleforoversightofSupervisedVisitationPrograms(ChiefJusticeHarding,November17,1999).
LegISLatIVe maNDate
Chapter753oftheFloridaStatuteswasamendedduringthe2007LegislativeSessiontoprovideforthedevelopmentofnewStandardsforFlorida’sSupervisedVisitationPrograms,aswellasproceduresforcertificationandmonitoring.§753.03wentintoeffectonJuly1,2007,requiringtheClearinghouseonSupervisedVisitationtocreateanadvisoryboardtoassistwiththecreationofthosestandardsandprocedures.ThePreliminaryReportwassubmittedinDecember2007,andthisFinalReportissubmittedfor2008.
§ 753.03. Standards for Supervised Visitation and Supervised Exchange Programs
(1)Withinexistingfundsfromthedepartment,theClearinghouseshalldevelopstandardsforSupervisedVisitationProgramsinordertoensurethesafetyandqualityofeachProgram.StandardsmustbeuniformforalltheProgramsandmustaddressthepurposes,policies,standardsofpractice,programcontent,securitymeasures,qualificationsofproviders,trainingstandards,credentialsandbackgroundscreeningrequirementsofstaff,informationtobeprovidedtothecourt,anddatacollectionforSupervisedVisitationPrograms.
(2)TheClearinghouseshalluseanadvisoryboardtoassistindevelopingthestandards.Theadvisoryboardmustinclude:
(a) TwomembersoftheexecutiveboardofthestatechapteroftheSupervisedVisitationNetwork,appointedbythepresidentofthestatechapteroftheSupervisedVisitationNetwork.
(b)ArepresentativeoftheOfficeoftheStateCourtsAdministrator,appointedbytheStateCourtsAdministrator.
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(c)Arepresentativeofthedepartment,appointedbythesecretaryofthedepartment.
(d)ArepresentativeoftheFloridaCoalitionagainstDomesticViolence,appointedbytheexecutivedirectoroftheFloridaCoalitionagainstDomesticViolence.
(e)Arepresentativeofalocallawenforcementagency,appointedbytheexecutivedirectoroftheFloridaSheriffsAssociation.
(f )Acircuitcourtjudgewhopresidesoverdomesticviolenceproceedings,appointedbytheChiefJusticeoftheSupremeCourt.
(g)Acircuitcourtjudgewhopresidesoverdependencyproceedings,appointedbytheChiefJusticeoftheSupremeCourt.
(h)TworepresentativesofaSupervisedVisitationProgram,appointedbythedirectoroftheClearinghouse.
(i)ArepresentativeoftheCommissiononMarriageandFamilySupportInitiatives.
(j)ArepresentativeoftheStatewideGuardianAdLitemOffice,appointedbytheexecutivedirectoroftheoffice.
(3)TheClearinghouse,inconsultationwiththeadvisoryboard,shalldevelopcriteriaandproceduresforapprovingandrejectingcertificationapplicationsforandmonitoringcompliancewiththecertificationofaSupervisedVisitationProgram.TheClearinghouseshallrecommendtheprocessforphasingintheimplementationofthestandardsandcertificationproceduresandthecriteriafordistributingfundstoeligibleProgramsanddesignatingthestateentitythatshouldcertifyandmonitortheSupervisedVisitationPrograms.
(4)TheClearinghouseshallsubmitapreliminaryreportcontainingitsrecommendationsfortheuniformstandardsbyDecember31,2007,andafinalreportofallrecommendations,includingthoserelatedtothecertificationandmonitoringdevelopedtodate,byDecember31,2008,tothePresidentoftheSenate,theSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives,andtheChiefJusticeoftheSupremeCourt.
CommIttee memBeRS
Pursuant to 753.03, the following Committee members were appointed by their respective agencies:
ArleneCarey,PolicyAnalystDepartmentofChildrenandFamilies
OfficeofFamilySafety1317WinewoodBlvd.Building6,Room136Tallahassee,FL32399
JudgeJeriBethCohenEleventhJudicialCircuit
3300N.W.27thAve.,Rm.205Miami,FL33142
305-638-6879
DanaDowling,SeniorAttorneyIIOfficeofCourtImprovement
OfficeoftheStateCourtsAdministrator500SouthDuvalStreet
Tallahassee,FL32399-1900850-414-8389
JenniferL.Dritt,LCSW,ExecutiveDirectorFloridaCouncilAgainstSexualViolence1311N.PaulRussellRd.SuiteA204
Tallahassee,[email protected]
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CaptainLeroyJohnsonLeonCountySheriff ’sOffice
2825MunicipleWayTallahassee,FL32308
RichardKomando,DirectorofAdvocacyReviewsandCircuitDirector
GuardianAdLitemProgram220EastBayStreet,6thFloor
Jacksonville,FL32202904-630-1200
Dr.LeonelMesa,Jr.,PresidentReflectionsWellnessCenter
5753MiamiLakesDriveEastMiamiLakes,FL33014
KristineNowland,DirectorCommunityActionStopsAbuse
YouthEducationandSupportServicesP.O.Box414St.Petersburg,FL33731
JosephNullet,ExecutiveDirectorTheFamilyNurturingCenterofFlorida,Inc.
1221KingSt.Jacksonville,FL32204
904-389-4244Fax:904-389-4255904-389-4245
SharonGoodwinRogers,ProgramDirectorJudgeBenGordon,Jr.FamilyVisitationCenter
P.O.Box436Shalimar,FL32579
850-609-1850Fax:[email protected]
TrishWaterman,DirectorChildren’sJusticeCenter’sSupervisedVisitation
Program700EastTwigsStreet,Suite102
Tampa,FL33602813-272-7179Fax:813-276-2404
JudgeClydeWolfeSeventhJudicialCircuit4010LewisSpeedway
St.Augustine,FL32084904-827-5647
NinaM.Zollo,J.D.,VicePresident,Legal&PolicyFloridaCoalitionAgainstDomesticViolence425OfficePlazaDriveTallahassee,FL32301
StaFF to tHe aDVISoRy CommIttee INCLUDe:
KarenOehme,DirectorInstituteforFamilyViolenceStudies,FloridaStateUniversityCollegeofSocialWork
SoniaR.Crockett,J.D.,LegalConsultant
DeAnnScarborough,CoordinatorofResearchPrograms,FloridaStateUniversityCollegeofSocialWork
KristinSakamoto,FloridaStateCollegeofLaw,LegalIntern
JuneLittleandKathrynGerber,AdministrativeAssistants
LauraCassels,MaryBethUnderwood,TheresaAndroff,SaBrennaReed,ErickaGarcia,ZachSummerlin,ElizabethHausfeld,BriannaSchiavoni,AllisonMcLeod,EricaSeery,JoyceLiu,JerroldJackson,EmilyMartin,AshleySkellenger,andMatthewByrge,GraduateAssistants
SarahStern,UndergraduateStudentAssistant
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PHILoSoPHy aND WoRk PRoDUCt oF tHe SUPeRVISeD VISItatIoN StaNDaRDS CommIttee
INteNt
BeginninginSeptember2007,theAdvisoryCommitteemetapproximatelyfourtimesamonthtodiscussanddraftnewStandards.MembersoftheCommitteediscoveredearlyonintheprocessthattheStandardswouldhavefar-reachingapplicabilityandcouldultimatelysavelives.Thus,theworkwasundertakenwithasenseofurgencyandseriousness.
Ultimately the Committee decided on several basic premises that echo throughout the Standards and related Compliance Measures:
1. Stategovernmenthasabasic,butnotexclusive,responsibilitytoensurethemaintenanceofanadequatelevelofserviceandmustaddressthefactthatonlyasmallamountofstatemoniesarecurrentlyallocatedforSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeservices.
2. High-qualitySupervisedVisitationservices,withproviderswhoarecertifiedthattheyadheretobasicstandardsofpractice,mustexistacrossthestate.
3. Safety,training,dignityanddiversity,andcommunitycoordinationarethecornerstonesofqualitySupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeservices.
4. StandardsmustbeattainableforbothruralandurbanPrograms.
5. Becauseservicedeliverymethodsaredifferentfromcommunitytocommunity,theStandardsmustbeflexibleenoughtobeapplicabletoawiderangeofPrograms.
TheStandardsareintendedtobeminimumstandardsthatprovideforflexibilityandcreativityinimplementationwhilemaintainingtheintegrityandpotencyofabest-practicesmodel,asdeterminedbytheSupervisedVisitationStandardsCommittee.MinimumStandardsaremeanttoprovideavisionfordevelopingprogramsandtostimulatetheimprovementofexistingservices.Inaddition,theseStandardscanhelpexplainandjustifyexpendituresandbudgetrequeststofundraisingagenciesandfundingbodies.
tRaNSPaReNCy aND DILIgeNCe
AlloftheworkoftheCommitteeisoutlinedbywrittenagendasandmemorializedinwrittenminuteswhichhavebeenpostedonthepublicwebsitefortheClearinghouse(http://familyvio.csw.fsu.edu/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=15).Meetingsandphonenumberswerealsoannouncedonthewebsite.TheworkofthecommitteewasfrequentlyandprominentlyannouncedinE-PressescirculatedbytheClearinghouseeachmonthandinmemorandatodirectorsofFlorida’sexistingSupervisedVisitationPrograms.ThosestakeholderswhowouldbeconsideredtohavethemostinterestintheprocesshadamonthlyopportunitytodiscusstheStandardsinconferencecallsbytheClearinghousewithFloridadirectors.InMay2008thedirectoroftheClearinghousetraveledtotheFloridaChapterMeetingoftheSupervisedVisitationNetworktoobtainfeedbackonthedevelopingStandards.InJune2008,theClearinghouse’sBar & Bench Visitation Report,mailedtojudgesandstakeholdersthroughoutthestate,prominentlyfeaturedsummariesandexcerptsoftheStandardsalongwithjudicialcommentary.
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TheCommittee’srecommendeddefinitionandmissionstatementforFlorida’sSupervisedVisitationProgramsformedthefoundationfortheentireprocess.FourguidingprinciplestohelpProgramsaccomplishthemissionfollowed.FromtheseprinciplesflowtheStandardsofPractice–thosetasksthatindividualProgramsmustundertake.CompliancemeasureswerethencreatedtoensurethatProgramswhichareeventually“certified”knowpreciselyhowtoimplementtheStandards.TheworkproductoftheCommitteeisdiagrammedbelow:
DeFINItIoNS
mISSIoN StatemeNt
gUIDINg PRINCIPLe oNe
Safety
gUIDINg PRINCIPLe tWo
Training
gUIDINg PRINCIPLe tHRee
Dignity&Diversity
gUIDINg PRINCIPLe FoUR
Community
StandardsforPrincipleOne
StandardsforPrincipleTwo
StandardsforPrincipleThree
StandardsforPrincipleFour
ComplianceMeasures:1
ComplianceMeasures:2
ComplianceMeasures:3
ComplianceMeasures:4
Certification Plan: How Programs Become “Certified”
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NeW DeFINItIoNS
A Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Programisanentitythathasasitscorefunctiontheprovisionofsupervisedvisitationand/ormonitoredexchangeservices,andwhichhasenteredintoanagreementwiththeChiefJudgeofthecircuitinwhichtheProgramislocatedtoprovideservicespursuanttotheprogramagreementandcourtorder.AProgrammayoperateundertheauspicesofthecourt,orbeanot-for-profitcorporationorassociation,orbeacomponentofalargernot-for-profitcorporationorassociation.
Atsomepointtheremaybestand-alonemonitoredexchangeprogramswhichdonotoffersupervisedvisitation.TheseProgramsmayalsobecomecertifiedundertheStandardsiftheyhaveastheircorefunctiontheprovisionofmonitoredexchangeservicesandhaveenteredintoanagreementwiththeChiefJudgeinthecircuitwheretheprogramislocatedtoprovideservicespursuanttotheProgramagreementandcourtorder.Astand-aloneMonitoredExchangeprogrammayoperateundertheauspicesofthecourt,orbeanot-for-profitcorporation,orbeacomponentofalargernot-for-profitcorporationorassociation.
Supervised visitationiscontactbetweenaparentandachildoverseenbyatrainedthirdpartyinacontrolledenvironmentwhichenhancesthesafetyofallvulnerableparties.Thecontactbetweentheparentandthechildisstructuredsothatprogrampersonnelmayactivelyencouragetheparent-childrelationshipbyprovidingage-appropriateactivities,helpingparentsdeveloporenhanceparentingskillswhennecessary,modelingappropriateinteractionswiththechildanddiscouraginginappropriateparentalconduct.AlthoughSupervisedVisitationprogramstafffacilitateandsupporttheparentandthechildrelationship,facilitationandsupportshouldnotbeconstruedtomeantherapeuticinterventionrisingtothelevelofatherapist-clientrelationship.
mISSIoN StatemeNt
ThemissionofFlorida’sSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsistousewell-trainedstafftoprovidesafeandrespectfulSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeservicesandtocoordinatetheseserviceswithineachcommunity.Programsaccomplishthismissionbyadheringtothefollowingfourprinciplesinvolvingsafety,training,dignityanddiversity,andcommunity.
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oVeRVIeW oF tHe PRINCIPLeS
PRINCIPLe oNe: SaFety
The unique safety needs of individuals are of paramount importance in Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Programs.
Florida’sSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsacknowledgethateachindividualfamilymemberineachcasemayfacedistinctrisksandhaveuniqueneedswithregardtosafety.Programsmustbestructuredandadministeredinsuchawayastoidentifyandmeetthoseneeds.Inaddition,casesmaypresentuniqueriskstoProgramstaffandvolunteers.
PRINCIPLe tWo: tRaININg
All Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange personnel must have specific qualifications and skills as well as thorough training on the complex and often overlapping issues that bring families to their Programs.
ThefamiliesreferredtoSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsmayhaveanynumberofproblems,including,butnotlimitedto,substanceabuse,domesticviolence,mentalillness,childabuse/neglect,andlong-termparentalabsence.Inordertoprovidesafeandinformedservicestothesefamilies,Programstaffandvolunteersmusthaveinitialandongoingtraininginawidevarietyoftopics.TheseStandardsareintendedtoraisethelevelofprofessionalismofProgramssothatservicesareprovidedtovulnerablefamiliesbyhighlytrainedandknowledgeablestaffandvolunteers.
PRINCIPLe tHRee: DIgNIty aND DIVeRSIty
All clients who use Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Programs are entitled to be treated in a fair and respectful manner that acknowledges their dignity and diversity.
Florida’sSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsmusttreatindividualsfairlyandrespectfullyinwaysthatacknowledgetheirlifecircumstancesandculturalbackgroundswithoutignoringthesafetyconcernsthatresultedinthereferraltotheProgram.
PRINCIPLe FoUR: CommUNIty
Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Programs must operate within a coordinated community network of groups and agencies that seek to address common family problems.
SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsdonotexistinavacuum.ThefamiliesusingtheProgramsoftenhaveaconstellationofproblemswithwhichtheyneedassistance.SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramstaffandvolunteersmaybecomeawareoffamilyproblemsthathavenotbeenpreviouslyidentifiedoraddressedbyanyagenciesand,innonactivedependencycases,theycanmakereferralsand/orproviderelevantinformationwheneverpossibleandappropriate.Programsmustalsoofferandseekcross-trainingfromcertaincommunitygroupsandshowsomelevelofparticipationinagency
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networkinggroups.ThiscoordinationwillstrengthentheentirenetworkofcommunityservicesandenhancetheknowledgeofleadProgramstaffaboutsubstantiveissuesandcommunityagencyprotocols.Themoreknowledgeablestaffis,thesaferfamilieswillbe.
VISItatIoN tRageDIeS SeNSItIze CommIttee
WhiletheCommitteewasworkingontheStandardsforSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangePrograms,therewereatleastthreetragedies–twoinFlorida–whichsensitizedtheCommitteetothedangerousterritorythatjudgesenterwhenevertheydecideissuesofvisitationincomplexcases.
OnJuly27,2008,amanusingthealiasClarkRockefellerkidnappedhisseven-year-olddaughter,ReighMillsBoss,fromaBostonBackBaystreetduringanoff-sitesupervisedvisitation.Thevisitsupervisorwaswalkingdownthestreetaccompanyingthefather-daughterpair,whenablackSUVpulledup,andMr.Rockefellerjumpedinthecarwithhisdaughter.Thevisitsupervisortriedtostoptheabduction,andwasdraggedashortway.Thedriverofthecar,DarylHopkins,saysthathehadbeenhiredbyRockefellerbefore,andthistimehewastopickupthefatheranddaughterandtakethemtoNewport,R.I.foran“importantmeeting.”Thenationalnewsreportedthekidnapping.AfterhisarrestonAugust2(whenthechildwasfoundunharmed),theFBIandBostonpolicedepartmentconfirmedthetrueidentityoftheman:ChristianKarlGerhartsreiter,animmigrantfromWestGermany.Gerhartsreiteris‘personofinterest’inadoublemurderandisinpolicecustody.Thiscaseraisedseriousissuesregarding“off-sitevisitation,”whichthenewStandardsaddressinPrincipleOne:Safety.
ThesecondcaseoccurredinLargo,Florida.Accordingtonewspaperreports,16year-oldBradleyDriscollwasstabbedbyhismotherintheabdomenandneckduringasupervisedvisitwithherintheofficeofamentalhealthprofessional.Themonitorwasanurse,whowatchedinhorrorasCelesteMinardiallegedlytookadecorativedaggerandadrywallknifeoutofherpurseandstabbedhersonrepeatedly.ThethirdcaseoccurredinCapeCoral,whenHaroldDunnallegedlyshotandkilledhisestrangedwifeChristineatadaycarecenterwheretheirchildwasenrolled.Shehadfiledfordivorce,andthenewspaperaccountsreflectthefactthathehadsupervisedvisitationwiththeirtwoyear-olddaughter,Allyson,inarelative’shome.AlthoughneitherofthesetragediesoccurredataSupervisedVisitationProgram,thechillingfactstroubledtheCommittee,whichdecidedtosendastrongcautionarymessagetojudgesregardinganytypeofsupervisionofvisitation,notonlythosecasessenttoSupervisedVisitationPrograms.Thecommitteefeltthatatwo-tieredsystemthatmakesProgramsadheretoStandardsbutleavesallothercourt-orderedvisitsheldelsewhereunprotectedbysecuritymeasuresposesgravebutoftenunacknowledgedhazardstofamiliesandchildren.
TheCommittee’srecommendationforStandardsregardingtheinspectionofpursesandparcels(underPrincipleOne:Safety)demonstratetheproblemquiteeffectively.TheCommitteedecidedthatthecommonpracticeofprohibitingparentsfrombringingdufflebags,purses,backpacks,andothersimilaritemsintotheSupervisedVisitationProgramshouldbeformalizedintheStandards.Thus,thenewrecommendedstandardreads:
[AllProgramsmusthave]Policiesandproceduresaddressingeitherthemandatoryprohibitionormandatoryinspectionofallbags,packages,purses,duffels,briefcases,backpacks,and/oranyothertypeofcontainerinwhichitemsmaybeconcealed.Thesepoliciesmustreflectstaffawarenessofthedangersassociatedwithweapons,substances,orotherdangerous,illegal,orinappropriateitemswhichmaybeknowinglyorunknowinglybroughtintoSupervisedVisitationProgramsbyparticipants.
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CoNCeRN aBoUt NoN-PRogRam SUPeRVISeD VISItatIoN PRoVIDeRS
SuchaStandard,however,wouldnothavepreventedtheLargotragedyfromoccurring,becausethecourt-orderedvisitationtookplaceataprivatepractitioner’soffice.TheCommitteebelievesthatjudgescandomoretoenhancesafetyandthattheStandardsandtrainingshouldbewidelyregardedasBestPracticewheneverSupervisedVisitationbyaprofessionalisorderedbythecourt.
Thus, although private counselors and other professionals cannot be certified under these Standards, it is incumbent upon judges to consider the nuanced safety concerns highlighted by these Standards whenever ordering visitation to be supervised. TheCommitteeunderstandsthattherearelimitedresourcesavailableincommunitiesandthatProgramsdonotexistineverycounty;still,judgesmustbemindfulofthecomplexsafetyissuesinvolvedinorderingsupervisionofcontactbetweenparentsandchildrenindomesticviolencecases,inmentalhealthcases,andwhenmultipleissuesco-occur.
tRaININg aLReaDy aVaILaBLe BUt UNDeR-UtILIzeD
EventhoughCertificationundertheStandardsisnotapplicabletonon-Programprovidersofsupervisedvisitation(asdefinedintheStandards),judgesshouldbeawarethattherearefree,easilyavailableresourcesthatcanenhancesafetythroughtrainingforeveryonewhosupervisesvisits,andthattheCommitteeisrecommendingthatthesefreetoolsbewidelyusedbyallprovidersofsupervisedvisitationandmonitoredexchange.
TheClearinghouseonSupervisedVisitationalreadyhashigh-qualitymaterialonitswebsiteforPrograms;thismaterialisreferencedintheStandardsunderPrincipleTwo,Training.ItmakesperfectsensetotheCommitteethatthissamematerialshouldberequiredreadingforanyonetowhomthecourtrefersafamilyforsupervision.Thereisacertificateofcompletionattheendofeachmanual.Thoughthisisanhonor-systemcurriculumandthereisnocurrentfundingtoregulatecompliance,judgescanandshouldrequirenon-Programprofessionalstoreadthecurriculumbeforemonitoringthefirstvisit.AcopyoftheCertificateofCompletionshouldbekeptinthecourtfile(alongwithasignedstatementbytheprofessionalthathe/shecompletedit).Suchtrainingwillhelpensurethatnon-Programprofessionalsunderstandthewiderangeofissuesandproblemsthatexistinmanyfamiliesundersupervision.Freetraining,available24/7ontheinternet,isavailableathttp://familyvio.csw.fsu.edu/SV/visitmonitor/index.htm.
a Note RegaRDINg LegISLatIVeLy CHaNgeD teRmINoLogy
TheCommitteeisawareofthechangesmadetoChapter61FloridaStatutesin2008whichremovestheterms“non-custodial”and“custodialparent,”andadoptstheterm“parentingtime”whileeliminatingtheconceptof“visitation.”Duetotheuniquenatureofthesupervisedvisitationprocess,however,andconsideringthefactthattheterm“visitation”wasnotentirelyremovedfromChapter753FloridaStatutes,theCommitteedecidedtoomittheterm“custodialparent”whereverpossible,anddefinethepartieswhoparticipateinthevisitationprocessasthe“custodian”andthe“visitor.”Thesetermsareonlyapplicableincasesofsupervisedvisitation,andareinnowaymeanttotrivializeaparent’sattachmenttohisorherchild.ThetermsarealsonarrowlydefinedintheDefinitionSectionoftheseStandards.
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FoRmaL ReCommeNDatIoNS oF tHe SUPeRVISeD VISItatIoN StaNDaRDS CommIttee
The Committee recommends the following:
I. That the Florida Legislature adopt the Standards and Certification process for Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Programs.
II. That the Florida Supreme Court enter an Administrative Order that adopts the Standards and directs circuit courts that refer cases to Supervised Visitation Programs to enter into written agreements with Programs. The agreements must require visitation programs to abide by the Standards.
III. That the Department of Children and Families continue to fund the technical assistance to all supervised visitation programs in Florida through the Clearinghouse on Supervised Visitation.
IV. That the Legislature keep the Supervised Visitation Standards Committee intact for an additional 12 months to continue work for the next year on refining and implementing the certification process.
V. That the Legislature direct the Department of Children and Families to fund Florida State University’s Clearinghouse on Supervised Visitation in the amount of approximately $65,000 a year for three years to certify programs under these Standards. This amount is separate from the technical assistance provided to all programs across the state. (See Certification Process.)
VI. That the Florida Legislature amend Chapter 753 Florida Statutes to Allow Program Communication with the Court.
AmendmentstoFloridaStatutesChapter753arerecommendedtoallowProgramstoalerttheCourtinwritingwhenthereareproblemswithcasereferralsandtoallowtheCourttosetahearingtoaddresstheseproblems.
TheStandardsencouragesFlorida’sSupervisedVisitationProgramstoworkinpartnershipwiththecourtsystemtoprotectvulnerablefamilies.Thus,ProgramsmusthaveaccesstotheCourts.YetProgramsroutinelyreportthattheyhavedifficultyaccessingthecourttoreportproblemsrelatedtotheSupervisedVisitationprocess,including:
ParentalnoncompliancewithProgramrules,includingno-showsandcancellationswithoutcause;
Children’sunwillingnesstoparticipateinvisits;
Parentalsubstanceabuse;
Parentalmentalillnessissuesinterferingwithvisits;
Parentalmisconducton-site;and
Parentalmisconductoff-sitereportedtoVisitationstaff,includingbutnotlimitedtoparentalarrests,additionallitigationinfamily/dependency/criminalcourt,andviolationsofprobation,stalking,andthreats.
ThedifficultythatProgramsexperienceresultsincongestedwaitinglistsandreductionofservicestootherfamilies.TheCommitteeseekstoenhancesafety,reducethewasteofProgramresources,reducedrainontaxpayerdollars,andprotectthebestinterestofchildren.
However,untilChapter753isamended,judgesshouldallowlocalProgramstoalertthecourtinwritingwhenthereareproblemswithcasereferralsincasesgovernedbyChapters61and741.ThenCourtsshouldthenhold
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hearings,ifnecessary,toaddresstheseproblemspromptly.
VII. That the Legislature create statutory immunity for Certified Program Staff/Volunteers.
TheCommitteerecommendsthatChapter753,FloridaStatutes,beamendedtoprovideapresumptionofgoodfaithandimmunityfromliabilityforthoseprovidingservicesatCertifiedVisitationandExchangePrograms.ThiswouldbesimilartotheimmunityprovisionsthatcurrentlyprotectGuardiansadLitem:
“AllpersonsresponsibleforprovidingservicesataCertifiedSupervisedVisitationorMonitoredExchangeProgrampursuanttoacourtordershallbepresumedprimafacietobeactingingoodfaithandinsodoingshallbeimmunefromanyliability,civilorcriminal,thatotherwisemightbeincurredorimposed.”
VIII. That Courts and Agencies abide by the following visitation decision hierarchy when referring cases to supervised visitation:
A.InNon-DependencyCaseswheretheCourtsaretheprimarysourceofreferrals,theCourtsareencouragedtoadheretothefollowingrecommendedhierarchybeginninginOctober2009:
1.Courtsshouldprioritizereferrals:Wheneveracourtorderssupervisedvisitationormonitoredexchange,theordershouldreferthepartiestoalocalCertifiedSupervisedVisitation/MonitoredExchangeProgramifoneexistsinthecommunity.
2.IfnoCertifiedProgramexists,oriftheexistingCertifiedProgramisnotabletoacceptthereferral,thenthecourtmustindicatethisinwriting,andthenmayreferthecasetoalocalmentalhealthprofessionalwhohascompletedtheonlinetrainingandreviewedtheStandards.AnyprofessionalreceivingsuchareferralshouldsubmitaCertificateofCompletionforthefreeonlineTraining Manual for Florida’s Supervised Visitation Programstothereferringjudgebeforetheprofessionalcanmonitoranyvisits.ThetrainingmanualisavailableonlineforfreeontheSupervisedVisitationClearinghousewebsite.
AcopyoftheCertificateofCompletionshouldbekeptinthecourtfile,alongwithasignedanddatedletterfromtheprofessionalattestingtohisorherthoroughreviewofboththeonlinemanual(includinghavingcompletedchaptertests)andthenewStandardsforCertification.
SubmissionofaCertificateofCompletionbyamentalhealthprofessionaltoajudgedoesnotconstituteCertificationundertheseStandards.However,completionoftheonlinetrainingcurriculumandreviewofthenewStandardsdoesprovideprofessionalswithaminimumunderstandingofthecomplexdynamicsandcriticalissuesregardingsupervisedvisitationandmaysomewhatbetterprepareprofessionalsforassumingtheresponsibilityofsupervisingvisits.
IfthereisnoCertifiedVisitation/ExchangeProgram,andnoavailablementalhealthprofessionaltosupervisethevisit/exchange,thecourtmustindicatethosefactsinwritingbeforechoosinganyotherformofsupervision.TheCommitteestronglydiscouragesjudgesfromallowingfamilymembersorfriendstosupervisevisits.Manycasesinvolveissuesofsubstanceabuse,mentalillness,threatsofparentalkidnapping,and/ordomesticviolence.AstheAmericanBarAssociationstates:
“Ordersallowingafamilymembertosupervisevisitationorvisitationexchangesdonotadequatelyaddresssafetyandplacethefamilymemberatriskofviolenceormanipulation….Familymembersarealsomorelikelytotolerateinappropriatebehaviororviolationsofthevisitationorder.”AmericanBarAssociationCommissiononDomesticViolence(POLICYOOA109A)ApprovedbytheAmericanBarAssociationHouseofDelegatesattheAnnualMeetinginJuly2000.
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B.InDependencyCases,referringagenciesareencouragedtoadheretothefollowingrecommendedhierarchybeginninginOctober,2009:
Duetothecomplexdynamicsandcriticalissuesinvolvedinvisitation,coupledwiththeoftenvolatilenatureoffamilyinteractionsindependencycases,theDepartmentofChildrenandFamilies,localSheriff ’sOffice,Community-BasedCareleadagencyand/ortheCaseManagementOrganizationwithprimaryresponsibilityforthedependencycaseshouldadheretothefollowinghierarchyforsupervisedvisitationbetweenthechild(ren)andtheparent(s):
1.Wheneveracourtorderssupervisedvisitationindependencycases,thatcourt,ortheagencywithprimaryresponsibilityforthecase,shouldreferthepartiestoalocalCertifiedSupervisedVisitationProgramifoneexistsinthecommunity.
2.IfnoCertifiedProgramexists,oriftheexistingCertifiedProgramisunabletoacceptthereferral,thentheChildProtectiveInvestigatororCaseManagerwithprimaryresponsibilityforthecasemaysupervisetheparent-childcontact.
However,priortobeingabletosuperviseanyvisitsafterOctober1,2009,allChildProtectiveInvestigatorsand/orCaseManagerswhosupervisevisitsmustcompleteareviewoftheonlineTraining Manual for Florida’s Supervised Visitation ProgramsandcertifytotheirownagenciesthattheyhavereadandunderstandtheseStandards/Principles.ThistimeframegivestheDepartmentandCommunity-BasedCareagenciessufficienttimetocomplywiththeserequirements.
3.IfnoCertifiedprogramexists,oriftheexistingCertifiedProgramisunabletoacceptthereferral,andtheChildProtectiveInvestigatororCaseManagerisunabletosupervisetheparent-childcontact,thedesignatedindividualwithprimaryresponsibilityforthecasemayreferthecasetootherswithinthatagencytosupervisethecontact(e.g.,interns,otheragencystaff,transporters,etc.).
However,priortobeingabletosuperviseanyvisitsafterOctober1,2009,allagencystaffwhosupervisevisitsmustcompleteareviewoftheonlineTraining Manual for Florida’s Supervised Visitation ProgramsandcertifytotheirownagenciesthattheyhavereadandarefamiliarwiththesePrinciples.ThistimeframegivestheDepartmentandCommunity-BasedCareagenciessufficienttimetocomplywiththeserequirements.
4.Undernocircumstancescantheagencythathasprimaryresponsibilityforthecasereferthecasetoasubcontractingorotheragencytoperformthesupervisedvisitationservice(eitheronoroff-site)unlessthatsubcontractingagencyisCertifiedunderthesestandards.Inthiscircumstance,subcontractingagencystaff ’scompletionofthetrainingmanualalonewillnotbesufficienttosupervisevisits.
At some point in the future, the Legislature may require individual mental health professionals who provide supervised visitation and/or monitored exchange services to become Certified under these or similar Standards. However, after considerable discussion, the Committee concluded that such a task was beyond the scope of its current charge.
5.NothinginthisReportprohibitsjudgesfromallowingrelativesorfriendstosupervisevisits.However,courtsshouldbeawareofthepotentialdangersandsafetyissuesthatexistwhenuntrainedindividualsmonitorsensitivecasesandvolatilefamilies.
IX. That the Florida Legislature enhance security and increase funding for Programs.
It should be the goal of the State of Florida to fully fund security onsite at Supervised Visitation Programs.
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We realize that the state is currently experiencing a severe budget crisis. Still, the call for funding should be made and repeated to emphasize the great need, and to lay the groundwork for future economic assistance to Programs.
TheseProgramsserveacrucialneedintheStateofFlorida,yetcasesreferredtothempresentavarietyofrisksonsite,including:
Theriskofcontinueddomesticviolence;
Theriskofparentalabuseofsubstance;
Theriskofoneparentstalkinganotherparent;
Theriskofchildabuse;
Theriskofparentalkidnapping;
TheriskofcriticalincidentsrelatingtoProgramruleviolations;and
Theriskofre-victimizationforparentorchild.
AlthoughcommunitiesacrossthestatehaverecognizedtheneedforSupervisedVisitationPrograms,astablesourceoffundingforthemhasneverexistedinFlorida.FederalAccessandVisitationfundschanneledthroughtheDepartmentofChildrenandFamilieshasprovided$600,000toapproximately20Programsannually,butthegrantamountof$38,000cannotfullysupportanyoneProgram.Still,all67countieshavesoughttodevelopatleastoneProgram,andcurrently63Programsexist,mostfacingconstantthreatstotheirsurvivalduetolackofadequatefunding.
TheCommitteeconcludedthatinorderforat-riskchildrentohaveasafe,monitoredplacetovisitwiththeirparents,allSupervisedVisitationProgramsshouldhavetrainedstaffandon-sitesecuritypersonnelduringhoursofoperation.However,Programsarechronicallyunder-fundedandoftendonothavethebudgetstoprovidesuchsecuritycoverage.
X. That the Legislature statutorily restrict funding so that only Programs Certified under these Standards are eligible for State funding after January 1, 2010.
ImPLemeNtatIoN aND Next StePS
TheCommitteeacknowledgesthatthenextstepsareinthehandsoftheLegislature,Courts,andtheDepartmentofChildrenandFamiliesinimplementingtherecommendedchangestoFloridaStatutes753,includingcourtaccessandimmunityfromliability,mandatingtheimplementationoftheStandards,adheringtothenewStandards,andfundingbothtechnicalassistanceandthecertificationprocess.
CoNCLUSIoN
TheCommitteebelievesthattheserecommendationswillprovideanecessaryincreaseinsafetyforthosefamilieswhouseSupervisedVisitationPrograms.TherecommendationswillalsomoveProgramsclosertotheidealofbestprac-ticewhilestrengtheningtheirrequestsforincreasedstatefundingandcommunitysupport.
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DeFINItIoNS
1. Authorizedpersonisapersonauthorizedbythecourttobepresent,inadditiontothevisitor,duringsupervisedcontact.
2. ChiefJudgemeansthechiefjudgeofajudicialcircuitorhisorherdesignee.
3. Childmeansanunmarriedpersonundertheageof18whohasnotbeenemancipatedbyorderofthecourtandwhosecontactwithavisitorissupervisedpursuanttoacourtorder.Childmaymeanmorethanonechild.
4. Clientisachildorparentorauthorizedpersontowhomservicesarerendered.
5. Criticalincidentisanoccurrenceinvolvinganycircumstancethatthreatensthesafetyofanyparticipantorstaff/volunteers,orresultsintheinjuryofanyparticipantorstaff/volunteers,and/orthatrequirestheinterventionofathirdpartysuchaschildprotectionservices,firerescue,police,etc.
6. CustodianforpurposesofSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeonly:Thecustodianistypicallythepersonwhobringsthechild(ren)totheservice.Thismaybeabiologicaloradoptiveparent,arelativecaregiverorfosterparent,guardian,orstateagencyoritsrepresentativesthathastemporaryorpermanentphysicalcustodyofachild.Acustodiandoesnothavetobeaparent.
7. Domesticviolenceisanyformofphysical,sexual,verbal,emotional,oreconomicabuseinflictedonanypersoninahouseholdbyafamilyorhouseholdmember.
8. Facilitationorsupportive/educationalvisitationreferstothemeansbywhichprogrampersonnelactivelyencouragetheparent-childrelationship,andshouldnotbeconstruedtomeantherapeuticinterventionrisingtothelevelofatherapist-clientrelationship.
9. FloridaClearinghouseonSupervisedVisitationistheentitywithintheInstituteforFamilyViolenceStudiesoftheFloridaStateUniversitySchoolofSocialWorkthatisthestatewideresourceonsupervisedvisitation/monitoredexchangeissuesbyprovidingtechnicalassistance,training,research,andcertificationmonitoring.
10.Governingauthorityisaboardorotherbodyofindividualsresponsibleforthedevelopmentandoperationofanindependentprogramorthechiefjudge,inthecaseofaprogramoperatingundertheauspicesofthecourt.
11. Groupsupervisionissupervisionofparent/childcontactinwhichmorethanonefamilyissupervisedbyoneormorevisitsupervisorssimultaneously.Groupsupervisionmayalsobereferredtoas“multiple-family”supervision.
12. Individualor“onetoone”supervisedvisitationmeansonevisitationmonitor/observerforonefamily.
13.MonitoredExchangeProgramprovidestrainedstaffandvolunteerstosuperviseachild’smovementfromoneparenttotheotherparentatthestartoffirstparent’sparentingtimeandfromthefirstparentbacktotheotherparentattheendofparentingtime.Currentlyallmonitoredexchangeservicesareofferedundertheauspicesofsupervisedvisitationprograms.However,theremayatsomepointbestand-alonemonitoredexchangeprogramswhichdonotoffersupervisedvisitation.
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14. Off-sitesupervisionissupervisionofcontactbetweenthevisitorandchildthatoccursawayfromasiteunderthecontroloftheprogramandvisitsupervisor.
15. Phonemonitoringiswhentheprogrammonitorsaphonecallbetweentheparentandchild.
16. ProgramAgreementisawrittenunderstandingbetweenthecourtandanindependentproviderofsupervisedcontactservicesincluding,butnotlimitedto,thescopeandlimitationsoftheprovider’sservices,theproceduresforcourtreferralstotheprovider,andthemannerandproceduresforcommunicatingwiththecourt.TheProgramAgreementincorporatestheprogram’swrittenoperationalpoliciesandprocedures.
17. Securityreferstomeasuresputinplacetoeffectsafety.
18. Supervisedvisitationiscontactbetweenaparentandachildoverseenbyatrainedthirdpartyinacontrolledenvironmentwhichenhancesthesafetyofallvulnerableparties.Thecontactbetweentheparentandthechildisstructuredsothatprogrampersonnelmayactivelyencouragetheparent-childrelationshipbyprovidingage-appropriateactivities,helpingparentsdeveloporenhanceparentingskillswhennecessary,modelingappropriateinteractionswiththechildanddiscouraginginappropriateparentalconduct.AlthoughSupervisedVisitationprogramstafffacilitateandsupporttheparentandthechildrelationship,facilitationandsupportshouldnotbeconstruedtomeantherapeuticinterventionrisingtothelevelofatherapist-clientrelationship.
19. SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramisanentitythathasasitscorefunctiontheprovisionofsupervisedvisitationand/ormonitoredexchangeservices,andwhichhasenteredintoanagreementwiththeChiefJudgeofthecircuitinwhichtheProgramislocatedtoprovideservicespursuanttotheprogramagreementandcourtorder.AProgrammayoperateundertheauspicesofthecourt,orbeanot-for-profitcorporationorassociation,orbeacomponentofalargernot-for-profitcorporationorassociation.
Atsomepointtheremaybestand-alonemonitoredexchangeprogramswhichdonotoffersupervisedvisitation.TheseProgramsmayalsobecomecertifiedundertheStandardsiftheyhaveastheircorefunctiontheprovisionofmonitoredexchangeservicesandhaveenteredintoanagreementwiththeChiefJudgeinthecircuitwheretheprogramislocatedtoprovideservicespursuanttotheProgramagreementandcourtorder.Astand-aloneMonitoredExchangeprogrammayoperateundertheauspicesofthecourt,orbeanotforprofitcorporation,orbeacomponentofalargernot-for-profitcorporationorassociation.
20. TherapeuticSupervisionistheprovisionoftherapeuticevaluationortherapeuticinterventiontohelpimprovetheparent-childinteractions.Therapeuticsupervisionmayonlybeprovidedbyorderofthecourtandonlybylicensedmentalhealthprofessionalswhoarealsospecificallytrainedtoprovidesupervisedvisitation.
21. VisitationAgreementisawrittenagreementbetweentheprogramandeachcustodianandvisitorincluding,butnotlimitedto,specificrules,responsibilities,andrequirementsoftheprogramandtheconsequencesoffailingtoabidebythesame.Thevisitationagreementshallalsoadvisetheclientsthatnoconfidentialprivilegeexistsastheprogram’srecords,exceptasprovidedbylawororder of the court.
22. VisitationMonitor/Observeristheindividualtrainedandauthorizedbyaprogramtoobservethecontactbetweenthevisitorandthechild,tofacilitate,interveneandterminateanycontact,andtodocumentsuchobservations,asprovidedbytheprogramagreementandtheStandards.Avisitmonitor/observermayalsobecalleda“visitationspecialist”orsomeothertermdefinedbytheProgram’sPoliciesandProcedures.
23. Visitormayrefertoabiologicaloradoptiveparentorotheradultauthorizedbyacourtordertohavesupervisedcontactwiththechild.
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PRINCIPLe oNe: SaFety The unique safety needs of individuals are of paramount importance
in Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Programs.
Introduction:Florida’sSupervisedVisitationProgramsacknowledgethateachindividualfamilymemberineachcasemayfacedistinctrisksandhaveuniqueneedswithregardtosafety.Inaddition,casesmaypresentuniqueriskstoProgramstaffandvolunteers.BelowisabriefdescriptionofhowthreedifferenttypesofreferralsmayrequiredifferentsafetyconsiderationsatSupervisedVisitationPrograms.Programsmustbestructuredandadministeredtomeettheseandotheruniquesafetyneeds.
Domestic Violence:Indomesticviolencecases,thesafetyneedsofthevictimparentandchildareparamount,andmustbemetbeforeallotherconsiderations.Inaddition,eachvictimandchildmayhaveinterconnectedand/ordistinctneeds.Forexample,thevictimparentneedstobeseparatedfromthebatteringparent;thechildmayaffirmativelyseekcontactwiththebatteringparent,andmayonlywanttheabuse(nottheparent-childrelationship)toend.Boththevictimparentandchild(dependingontheageofthechild)mayneedasafetyplanandaplanforaddressingtheneedsofthefamily.Staffmustbethoroughlytrainedinthecomplexdynamicsofdomesticviolence,includingstalkingbehavior,powerandcontrolissues,andbatterermanipulationofstaff.
Disability:Inacaseofchilddisability,theparentmayneedagreatdealofstaffsupporttofacilitatethevisit,andthechild’ssafetyneedsmaylimittheactivitiesavailableinthevisit.Theremaybenofamilyviolence,butinsteadissuesofparentalstress,neglect,orotherdynamicsthatstaffmustaddress.Safetyinthesecasesmayspecificallyrefertoaccommodatingthechild’sphysicalabilities,limitations,andhealthconsiderations,andsupportingthevisittoenhanceparentingskills,ifappropriate.
Mental Illness:Incasesofparentalmentalillness,theparent’sbehaviormaybeerraticorunpredictable,especiallywhenprescribedmedicationsarenottakenasdirected.Enhancingsafetywillentailstaffvisuallyassessingtheparentateachvisitwithabasicunderstandingoftheillnessanditsmanifestations,inquiringastowhethertheparenthastakenmedicationasdirected,andwatchingforspecificbehaviorwhichmayindicatethatthechildisindanger.
tHe StaNDaRDS
Overview:SupervisedVisitationProgramsmustbedesigned,developed,andadministeredwithsafetyinmind;casesmustbethoroughlyassessed,andriskspresentforparticipantsmustbeconsideredpriortothefirstvisit.Programsmustonlyacceptcasesinwhichtheyhaveconsideredandcanreasonablyaddressthesafetyneedsofparentsandchildren.ItisimportanttonotethataProgramcanenhance,butcannotguarantee,safety;adultclientsremainresponsibleandaccountablefortheirownactions.
Becausethereisahighleveloffamilyviolenceinsupervisedvisitationcases,theSafetyStandardswillapplytoallcasestoprotectallparticipantsinthevisitationprocessunlessotherwiseindicated,regardlessofwhetherthecaseoriginatesasanInjunctionforProtectionAgainstDomesticViolence,aDependencyCase,aDissolutionofMarriage/ModificationCase,orsomeothertypeoflitigation.Specialanddistinctprotectionsexistforcasesinvolvingchildsexualabuse.
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The Standards for Principle One are organized so that Programs which offer supervised visitation (either with or without the additional service of monitored exchange) must follow all of the provisions from I – XVIII in this Principle. Any free-standing Monitored Exchange Programs which operate without a visitation component must follow all of the provisions from XIX – XXXI.
Principles Two (Training), Three (Dignity and Diversity), and Four (Community) apply equally to both Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Programs, except where specifically noted.
I. All Programs must have (and must provide to participants) written policies on topics that relate directly and indirectly to safety.
A. ParticipantsinthevisitationprocessmustbeinformedastoProgramprocedures.Participantswhoareknowledgeableandfamiliarwiththeseproceduresmaybemorelikelytoconsiderthemselvesaspartnersinthevisitationprocess,makingtheprocesssafer.
B. Programsmusthavecomprehensivewrittenoperatingpoliciesandproceduresavailableforviewingbyparticipants,whichshallinclude,ataminimum:
• typesofservices,hoursofoperation,feeschedule;
• casereferralprocedures;
• dangerassessmentforallreferraltypes;
• intake,acceptance,anddischargepolicies;
• confidentialitypolicies;
• proceduresforcommunicationwiththecourt,includinghowtheProgramandthecourtwillavoidimpermissibleexpartecommunication;
• policiesandproceduresfordocumentingobservedbehavior;
• policiesandproceduresregardingrecordretentionandreleaseofinformation;
• proceduresforprovidingreportstothecourt;
• policiesontransportationofchildren;
• securitymeasuresandemergencyprotocoland/orprocedures;
• specialpoliciesforsexualabuseallegations;
• gift-givingpolicies;
• participantgrievanceprocedures;and
• employmentpoliciesandpoliciesgoverningtheacceptanceanddischargeofvolunteers,including:non-discriminationpoliciesregardingtheemployeeorvolunteer’srace,religion,gender,sexualorientation,nationalorigin,age,disability,maritalstatus;andpoliciesthatcomplywiththelawsandregulationsgoverningfairemploymentpractices.
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C.AllProgramsmustprovidereferringsources–includingthecourts,Community-BasedCareOrganizationsorotherChildProtectionAgencies,andanyotheragencyfromwhichtheyacceptreferrals–withcopiesoftheabove.AnychangesmadetoaProgram’srole,function,operationalpoliciesandprocedures,and/orcapacitythataffecttheProgram’sservicesmustbereportedtocourts,referringagencies,andclientsimmediately.
Compliance measure:
all Programs must have these comprehensive policies. Copies or explanations of these comprehensive policies and procedures must be provided or accessible to all participants and referring sources. each case file must reflect signatures and the date on which the participants were given or informed of the policies and procedures. If Programs change their operation, policies, procedures, or capacity, copies of written notices to the courts and referring agencies must be kept on file.
II. The physical layout of the Program premises must be designed to meet the safety and comfort needs of participants.
Programsshouldbeabletodemonstratethattheyhaveconsideredsafetywithregardtosuchelementsasinteriorandexteriorlighting;accesstoseparateentrances/exitsandwaitingrooms;bathroomfacilitiesthatcanbemonitored;visibilityofparkinglots;compliancewithlocalfireandhandicappedaccessibilitycodes;physical,auditory,andvisualseparationoftheparentsonthepremises;child-proofingsafetymeasures;andflowofparticipantfoottrafficthroughtheProgram.Programsshouldalsobeabletodemonstratethattheyhaveconsideredthecomfortneedsofparticipantswithregardstosuchelementsaschild-sizedfurnitureandchild-friendlyandculturallydiversedécor,toys,andactivities.
Compliance measure:
all Programs must keep a written premises safety and comfort plan, checklist, consultation, or log describing compliance with this Section.
III. All Programs must have agreements and orders required for referrals.
A. Overview on how Visitation Programs receive cases.
DependingonindividualProgrampolicies,referralstoSupervisedVisitationProgramsmaybemadebythecourt,fromachildprotectiveagencythathastakencustodyofachild,orfromsomeotherorganizationwhichworkswithfamilies.Themajorityofcaseswillresultfromthesecourtordersandchildprotectiveagencyreferrals.Asmallnumberofcases,however,mayresultfromself-referrals.Programsdohavethediscretiontoacceptself-referredcasesundersomecircumstances.
1. Agreements with the Court:IfaProgramreceivescourtreferrals,itmusthaveanAgreementwiththeCourtinthecircuitinwhichtheProgramislocatedwhichspecifiesthescopeandlimitationsoftheprovider’sservices,thelocalproceduresforcourtreferrals,andthemannerandproceduresforcommunicatingwithandprovidingreportstothecourt.TheAgreementwiththecourtmust
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confirmcompliancewiththeseStandards.SuchanagreementmayalsobemoreprescriptivethantheseStandards,butmaynotbelessso.AnnualAffidavitsofCompliancewiththeseStandardsmustalsobekeptonfilewiththeCircuitCourtinwhichtheProgramislocated.
2. Agreements with Child Protective Agency:IfaProgramreceivesreferralsinvolvingcasesofchildsexualabusefromtheDepartmentofChildrenandFamiliesand/oroneofitsCommunity-BasedCareprovideragencies,theProgrammusthaveanAgreementwiththeCourtandcurrentaffidavitofcomplianceonfilewiththeChiefJudgeofthecircuitinwhichtheProgramislocated,affirmingthattheProgramhasagreedtocomplywiththeseMinimumStandards.TheProgrammustalsohaveawrittenAgreementwiththeCourtandwiththedepartmentthatcontainspoliciesandguidelinesspecificallyrelatedtochildsexualabuse.
B. New Uniform Court Orders are Required. (SampleCourtOrdersandaSupervisedVisitationProgramStandardDependencyReferralFormareincludedintheAppendix.)
ProgramsmustuseaconsistentProgramOrder:onefornon-dependencycasesandonefordependencycases.ProgramswillhavetheoptionofusingtheStandardCourtOrdersincludedintheAppendix,ortheymayusetheirownOrderswhichcontainsubstantiallysimilarinformationastheStandardCourtOrderscontainedherein.AnytimeacourtorChildProtectiveAgency(DCF/CBC)refersacasetoaVisitationProgrampursuanttoactivelitigationinvolvingthefamily,aStandardCourtOrder(oraProgramordercontainingsubstantiallysimilarinformationastheStandardCourtOrder)mustbeused,eveniftheoriginalorderisembeddedinsomeotherdocumentororder,includingbutnotlimitedtoaFinalJudgmentofDissolution,anInjunctionforProtectionAgainstDomesticViolence,anAdjudicationofDependency,orordersonMotionsorPetitions.
TheStandardCourtOrderforDependencyCases(oraProgramOrderthatcontainssubstantiallysimilarinformation)containsaprovisionthattheDCF/CBCmustcompleteaSupervisedVisitationProgramStandardDependencyReferralFormindependencycases.TheSupervisedVisitationProgrammustnotconductthefirstvisitinanydependencycaseuntiltheStandardReferralForm(oraProgramformthatcontainssubstantiallysimilarinformation)iscompletedandreceivedbytheProgram.
C. Out-of-Circuit Referrals and Courtesy Monitoring Must Follow Policies.
TheProgramshallhavethesolediscretiontoacceptordeclineacasereferredbyanycourtoragencyfromanotherjurisdiction.Whensuchcasesareaccepted,theProgrammustdirectallcommunicationtothereferringcourt.
D. Self-Referrals Must Follow Specific Procedures.
SupervisedVisitationProgramsmay,attheirdiscretion,acceptaself-referredfamilyorafamilyreferredbysomeotheragencywithoutacourtorderifthereisnocurrentcivillitigationorcriminalactioninvolvingtheparentsand/ortheirchildren.Anagreementsignedbytheparentsisrequiredtoacceptthesecases.Ifatanytimeacivilorcriminalactionisfiledbyorregardingthepartiesrelatingtothechildren,theProgrammustobtainacourtordertocontinuevisits.(Thisdoesnotincludeordersforchildsupport.)
Inaddition,if,atthetimeoftheProgram’sinitialintakeofaself-referredcaseoratanyothertimeduringthecourseofthesupervisedvisitsinthesecases,aparentorchildallegesthereisdomesticviolenceinthefamily,ortheProgramotherwiselearnsofahistoryofdomesticviolence,thenadditionalstepsmustbetaken.TheProgrammustconductanadditionalsafetyevaluation(inaddition
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tothedangerassessmentrequiredineverycase)toensurethatthecasecanbeacceptedorcontinuedwithoutacourtorder.
Thisadditionalsafetyevaluationwillentailthefollowing:theProgrammustmeetwitheachparentindividuallytoassesssafetyconsiderations,powerimbalance,manipulation,orotherpotentialsforrisktothevictimorthechildrenduringthevisits.Withoutrevealingparty-identifyinginformation,theSupervisedVisitationProgrammustconsultwithaCertifiedDomesticViolenceCenteroraCertifiedSexualAssaultProgramregardingthecasetoidentifyanyadditionalsafetyconcerns.Ifneitherofthoseprogramsisavailableforconsultation,thentheSupervisedVisitationProgrammayconsultwithavictim-witnessexpertintheState’sAttorneyOfficeorthelocallawenforcementagency,oralocalmentalhealthprofessionalwhohasexpertiseindomesticviolenceissuesanddealingwithvictims.ThegoalisforSupervisedVisitationProgramsistoconsultwithalocaldomesticviolenceexpertinself-referredcasestoenhancesafety.TheProgrammustalsoinformthevictimoftheservicesoftheCertifiedDomesticViolenceCenter.However,theProgrammaynotrequirethevictimtousetheservicesoftheCertifiedDomesticViolenceCenter.
Afteralloftheaboveoccur,ifnocivilorcriminalactionisfiledregardingthepartiesandtheirchildren,andiftheSupervisedVisitationProgramsubsequentlydeterminesthatthecaseisappropriatefortheProgram,thentheProgrammayallowthepartiestoaccessorcontinuetoaccessitsservices.TheSupervisedVisitationProgramshallkeeparecordconcerningthemeetingswitheachparentandtheconsultationwiththeCertifiedDomesticViolenceCenter.
E. Participants must have an agreement with the Program. (AsamplelistofMinimumElementsofanAgreementwithParticipantsisincludedintheAppendix.)
• Inallcases,regardlessofthereferralsource,thevisitingparents–aswellasthecustodianinnondependencycases–mustsignanAgreementcontainingassurancesthattheywillcomplywiththerequirementsoftheProgram.Thismustbecommunicatedinasensitive,respectfulmanner.
• MinimumElementsofanAgreementwithParticipantsatFlorida’sSupervisedVisitationPrograms:AProgram’sStandardAgreementmustcontainatleastthefollowing,butmaycontainadditionalinformationaswell:
1. GeneralProgramusageinformation,suchas:
• Theprimarypurposeofthevisitcenter
• HoursofoperationoftheProgram,holidays
• A“holdharmless”clause
• Prohibitionsonfirearmsandweaponsofanykind
• Buildingaccessinformation(arrivalanddeparturetime)
• Namesofallparticipantswhoareauthorizedtovisit
• SpecificsecurityprotocolsandconditionsoftheProgram,includingseparationoftheparties
• Supervisionmethod/level
• Informationregardingrecordsaccess
• Feeandfineinformation
• Processofforms,reports,andcourtcorrespondence
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• Schedulingandcancellingvisits,includingtheProgram’sdiscretiontocancelanyvisit
• Medicationanddietaryrestrictioninformationpoliciesforadministeringmedication
2. ParticipantsmusthaveanoverallunderstandingandagreementwithProgramrules:TheAgreementmustalsoincludeaprovisionthattheparticipantshavereviewedtheProgram’svisitationrulesandunderstandandwillabidebythem.
3. SpecificadditionalrulesmustbeincludedintheAgreement:TheAgreementmustalsocontainremindersofcommonlyrelevantissues,includingatleast:
For the visitor:
• policiesregardingsuspicionofdrugoralcoholusepriortoorduringvisit
• policiesregardingkeepingthechild’spersonalinformationconfidential(whereliving,phone number,etc.)
• policiesregardingsexualabuseallegationcases
• restrictionsrelatedtophysicalspacewherevisitoccurs
• policiesregardingsmoking,pets,cellphones,andcameras
• policiesongifts
• asectionforspecialconditions
For both the visitor and the custodian:
• policiesdesignedtokeepvisual,auditory,andphysicalseparationoftheparents
• policiesregardingfood
• policiesregardingcorporalpunishment
• policiesaboutspeakingforeignlanguages
• policiesaboutanytopicsorremarksthatshouldnotbediscussedinthepresenceofthechild
• asectionforspecialconditions
• signatureanddateofvisitor,custodian,andCenterrepresentative
EachAgreementmustincludeatleasttheaboveelementsbutcanincludeothersatthediscretionoftheProgram.
Compliance measures:
1. all Programs must have a written policy as to the kinds of referrals it will accept.
2. In every individual case file there must be:
a. a signed court order for supervised visitation (or an order that includes the same information in some other format) if the case is referred by the court or DCF/CBC;
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b. a completed Standard Referral Form (or a form that includes the same information in some other format) if the case is referred by DCF/CBC; or
c. a referral from some other agency that assists families, or a self-referral, both with an agreement of the parties.
d. Documentation affirming that visitor and custodian were provided with copies or explanations of the Program’s comprehensive policies and procedures.
e. Signed copies of the Parent’s agreement with the Program.
3. all Programs must have on file a copy of the current agreement with the Court, the agreement with DCF, and annual affidavits of Compliance.
IV. All cases must be screened using a danger assessment.
A.TheSupervisedVisitationStandardsCommitteebelievesthatinordertoenhancesafetywhenProgramsreceivecasesthatmaypresentheightenedrisk,allProgramsinFloridashouldbefundedtotheextentnecessarytoenablethehiringoflawenforcementpersonnelwhoaretrainedinandsensitivetothedynamicsoffamilyviolence.Unfortunately,althoughthisisanidentifiedneed,manyProgramsdonotcurrentlyhavetheresourcestoallowthemthatdiscretion.Thus,althoughadvocatingforincreasedfundingtoprovidesecuritypersonnelforallProgramsandemphasizingthatonsitesecuritypersonnelareanaspirationalbestpractice,theCommitteealsobelievesthatthereareadditionalstepsthatcanbetakentohelpenhancesecurity,includingstafftrainingandclientassessment.
B.Programstaffmustconductacomprehensiveassessmentofeachcaseinordertobestevaluateandplanfortheuniquenature,potential,anddegreeofriskwhicheachcasepresents.Inordertoconductanappropriateassessment,theProgramshouldobtainidentifyingandbackgroundinformationrelevanttothereasonforthereferralandanypossiblerisksineachcase.Suchinformationmustinclude(i)copiesofanyprotectiveorders,(ii)currentfamilyorcriminalcourtordersinvolvingtheparties,(iii)anycompletedreferralformsrelatingtosupervisedvisitation,(iv)informationregardingallegationsofdomesticviolence,physical,orsexualabuse,(v)informationdetailinganychronicphysicalormentalhealthissuesoftheparentorchildintermsofhowvisitationmightbeaffected,and(vi)anyinformationrelatingtoparentaldrugoralcoholusethatmightinterferewithvisitation.
C. Numerousstudiesonfamilyviolence,includingfatalityreviewsconductedbystatesinadditiontoFlorida,haveresultedintheidentificationofcertainindicatorsthatsignifythepossibilityofanincreasedrisktovictimsofdomesticviolence.Thesefactorsincludeanyinstancesinwhich:
1. Inthepast12months,therehasbeenanincreaseinthelevelofphysicalorothertypesofviolenceinthecase.
2. Thevictimhasbeenchokedorthebattererhasattemptedtostrangleher.
3. Thevictimhasbeengrabbedsuddenlyandforcefullybythebatterer.
4. Thevictimhasbeenheld/pinneddownbythebatterer.
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5. Thevictimhasbeenshakenorroughlyhandledbythebatterer.
6. Thevictimhasbeenbittenbythebatterer.
7. Thevictimhasbeenrestrictedfromuseofthetelephonebythebatterer.
8. Thevictimhasbeenrestrictedfromuseofthecarbythebatterer.
9. Thevictimhasbeenblamedforthebatterer’sproblems.
10.Thevictimiscurrentlyinadomesticviolenceshelterorhasmadeothereffortstoleavethebatterer.
11.Thebattererdrovedangerouslywiththevictiminthecar.
12.Thebattererhasthreatenedtokillhimselfwithinthepast30days.
13.Thebattererhasthreatenedtokillthevictimwithinthepast30days.
14.Thebattererhasthreatenedtokillthechildrenwithinthepast30days.
15.Thebattererhascriminalchargespending.
16.Thebattererhasviolatedavictim’sorderforprotection.
17.Thebattererhasfailedtoappearforfinalhearingorhearingonorderforprotection.
18.Thebattererhasthreatenedtoharmorhasharmedfamilypets.
19.Thebattererhasmentalhealthconditionswhichmayincreaseviolence.
20.Thebattererhasburnedthevictim.
21.Thebattererhasrecentlyacquiredgunsorknives.
22.Thebattererhasbecomemorethreateningwithgunsorkniveshepreviouslypossessed.
23.Thebattererhasthrownsomethingatthevictim.
24.Thebattererhasstalkedorattemptedtousesurveillancetacticstomonitorthevictimwithinthepast30days.
25.Thebattererhasthreatenedtohavethevictimcommittedtoamentalinstitution.
26.Thebattererhasdestroyedthevictim’spersonalproperty(clothing,furniture,personalbelongings,orcar)withinthepast30days.
27.Thebattererhasphysicallyforcedthevictimtohavesex.
28.Thebattererhastriedtostopthevictimfromseekinghelpfromlawenforcement,domesticviolenceshelter,SupervisedVisitationProgram,court,orotheragencies.
29.Thebattererhaslockedthevictiminthehomeorotherwiseimprisonedheragainstherwillwithinthepast30days.
30.Thebattererhastoldthevictimthathecannotlivewithoutherandtheirchildren.
Source: Dr. Jackie Campbell / The Danger Assessment / http://www.dangerassessment.com/WebApplication1/default.aspx
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ItisvitalthateachProgramconsidertheseelementswhenmakingadeterminationastothelevelofsecuritynecessaryineachcaseinordertohelpensurethesafetyofvulnerablevictimsandchildrenduringsupervisedvisits.
Compliance measure:
each file must include documentation that a Danger assessment was conducted in every case. assessments conducted by other entities are not considered substitutes for a Program’s own assessment, although a Program is encouraged to review the work of other entities in the case if it has access to such. Copies of existing safety evaluations and Certified Domestic Violence Center consultation completed in self-referred cases which indicate whether domestic violence exists in the family must also be kept on file.
V. Intake must be conducted in all cases. (SampleIntakeElementsfordependencyandnon-dependencycasesareincludedintheAppendix.)
A. Programsmustconductseparateintakewithboththevisitorandthecustodianofthechildpriortothefirstvisit.[Ifthechildisinout-of-home,non-relativeplacement,theProgramisnotrequiredtoconductanintakewiththecustodian,butwillhavereceivedaReferralFormfromthecasemanager.]
B. Intakeservesseveralpurposes:tocollectinformationrelatingtothefamily,thereasonsforthesupervision,andtheresourcesnecessarytoeffectthesupervision;todeterminewhethertheProgramwillacceptorrejectthecase;toacquaintthosewhosecasesareacceptedwithProgrammissionandgoals;tofamiliarizetheparentswiththeservicesprovidedandinvitethemtoberespectedparticipantsintheprocess;todiscusstheexpectationsoftheparents,aswellastheProgram’sexpectations;todiscusstheindividualsafetyneedsofthefamilyaswellasthecultural,racial,orethnicconsiderationsorspecialneedsofthefamilymembersanddiscusshowtheProgramcanassistthefamily;toconductadangerassessmentandenhanceparticipantsafety;andtodiscusstheProgrampoliciesastoconfidentialityandinformationsharing.
Compliance measure:
each file must contain a copy of the Program’s intake form. to assist Programs in creating their own forms, Standard Intake elements for Dependency and Non-Dependency cases are contained in these Standards. the Intake forms must reflect these elements.
VI. All Programs must have case acceptance, rejection, and termination policies.
A. After intake, a Program may choose to accept a case.However,aProgramshalldeclinetoacceptacaseforwhichitcannotreasonablyensurethesafetyofallclients,Programstaff,andvolunteers,includingbutnotlimitedtothefollowingreasons:
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• thenatureofthecaseorclientistoovolatile;
• visitationsupervisorsarenotadequatelytrainedtomanageissuesidentifiedintheintake;
• facilitiesarenotadequatetoprovidethenecessarylevelofsecurity;
• theProgramhasinsufficientresources;or
• aconflictofinterestexists.
B. Terminating visits.Programshavetheright,attheirdiscretion,toendavisitifanypersonendangersthephysicaloremotionalsafetyofaparent,child,orstaffinvolvedinthecase.Ifthevisitingparentengagesininappropriatebehaviorthatmay,ifcontinued,compromisesafetyonsite,thenpriortoterminatingavisit,theProgram’sstaffshouldattempttoredirectorstopthevisitingparent’sbehaviorifitissafetodoso.
C.Notifying the court.Ifacaseisrejectedorservicesareterminatedorsuspendedforanyreason,Programsshallprovide,withinthreebusinessdays,awrittenNoticeinformingthecourtandreferringagency(ifapplicable)ofthereasonswhythecasewasrejected/terminated.IfthepartiescametotheProgramthroughtheirownagreement,theProgramshallprovideawrittenNoticetothemandtheirattorneys.
D. Other reasons for termination.TheProgramhastheright,atitsdiscretion,tosuspendorterminatethevisitationifthevisitingpartyorchildbecomesill;ifthechildcannotbecomfortedwithinthetimeperiodthestaffdeterminestobeappropriate;orifoneorbothoftheclientshavefailedtocomplywiththevisitationagreement,thedirectivesofthevisitsupervisor,orthecourt’sorder.
Innon-dependencycases,theProgrammaysuspendorterminatevisitsifanyclientinthecasecontinuallyrefusestopayforservicesasdirectedinthecourtorderorreferral.
TheProgrammayterminatethevisitattheexpirationofthetimelimitsetbytheparties’agreementorbythecourt.Nothinginthissection,however,preventsaProgramfromallowingpartiestoobtainanextensionofthecourtorder/referral.Grantingsuchanextension,however,isatthediscretionoftheProgram.
Compliance measures:
all Programs must have:
1. Written protocol for rejecting cases; inclusion of this provision in the agreement with the Court, reviewed every 18 months.
2. Written criteria for the termination or suspension of visits; written protocol for notifying the referral source of the termination or suspension of visits. Proof of review every 18 months.
VII. The Program retains discretion to make decisions.
AProgramdirectorretainsdiscretionformakingtheabovedeterminationoncaserejection/acceptance/termination.EvenwhenaProgramemployslawenforcementpersonneltoenhancesecurityduringvisits,
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theremaybecaseswhichtheProgramdirectorbelievescannotbemanagedsafelyon-site.TheProgramdirectorhasthediscretiontoterminateavisitifaparentappearstobeundertheinfluenceoforimpairedbyillegalorlegaldrugs,dependingontherisksassociatedwithsuchdruguse.
Compliance measure:
Program Discretion included in agreement with the Court, reviewed every 18 months.
VIII. Child Orientation must be held in most cases.
Ifthechildisofsufficientageandcapacity,theProgramshouldincludehimorherinsomestructuredorientationmeeting.ChildorientationistheprocessbywhichstafffamiliarizethechildwiththeProgram,Programstaff,safetyprotocols,andfacilitiesinanage-appropriateandchild-friendlymanner.ThechildshouldalsobeassuredthattheinvolvementoftheProgramisnotthechild’sfault.Thisisnotanintakesession;thechildshouldnotbequestionedaboutthecaseduringorientation.
Anyorientationshouldbepresentedtothechildinamannerappropriatetothechild’sdevelopmentalstage.Childrenofasufficientageandmaturityshouldattendatleastpartoftheorientationwithouttheparent;thiswillhelpthechildunderstandthattheparentwillnotbepresentwiththechildduringthevisits.
Compliance measure:
Written child orientation protocol; copy of child orientation form in each file stating whether orientation was held, the date on which it was held, or the reasons why it was not.
IX. Case Files, Visit Records, Observation Notes, and Reports to the Court must follow specific procedures.
A. Case Files (Dependency and Non-Dependency).Afilemustbecreatedforeachfamilyandkeptaccordingtostandardsofconfidentiality.Thecasefilemustincludeataminimum:
• TheCourtOrderforSupervisedVisitation
• CopiesofrelevantCourtOrders,includingcurrentOrdersconcerningparenting,ordomesticviolence
• Theintakeforms(includingdocumentationofreceiptofProgrampolicyandprocedureinformation)
• DCF/CBCReferrals,ifapplicable
• DocumentationofProgram’sdangerassessments
• Otherdangerassessmentsdonebyseparateentities
• OrderAppointingGuardianAdLitem
• Agreementformssignedbytheparties
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• Copiesofallcommunicationregardingtheparties
• RecordsofAllVisits
• Documentationofperiodiccasereviewifapplicable.
B. Records of Parent/Child Visits.Aprovidermustmaintainarecordofeachvisit.Therecordmustbefactualandmustcontainataminimum,butisnotlimitedto:
• Clientidentifierorcasenumber
• Whobroughtthechildtotheparent/childcontact
• Whosupervisedtheparent/childcontact
• Anyadditionalauthorizedobservers
• Date,time,anddurationofparent/childcontact
• Whoparticipatedintheparent/childcontact
• Anaccountofcriticalincidents,ifany.ThesearecalledCriticalIncidentReports.Theymustincludeadetaileddescriptionoftheincident,whowasinvolved,andwhatactionsweretakebytheProgram.Programstaffmustdocumentcriticalincidentsandresponsestothem(includingmandatoryabusereport)whichmayincluderuleviolationsorattemptstocontinueabuse,particularlyinstancesinwhichactionistakenbystaff(suchasterminatingavisit)oranoutsidethirdparty,suchaslawenforcement.Criticalincidentsmayalsobeaseriesofproblematicbehaviorswhichmaybecomethebasisforachangeinthelevelofmonitoring.Asimpleredirectionofaparentduringavisitisnotacriticalincident.CriticalIncidentReportsmustbecopiedtotheCourtandthepartieswithinfivebusinessdays.
• Anaccountofending,cancelling,ortemporarilysuspendingoftheparent/childcontact,includingthereasonsforendingorsuspendingthecontact
• AnyfailuretocomplywiththeProgram’sprocedures.
• Cancellations,tardiness,orno-shows,andreasonsgivenbythepartyforthetardiness,cancellation,andno-shows
• Incidents/suspicionofabuseorneglectasrequiredbylaw;documentationifacallismadeto1-800-96-abuse
• Visitation Notesoftheparent-childinteraction,eitherSummaryorObservation NotesasdescribedinSectionCbelow.
• Contact Notes,whicharesummaryaccountsofallothercontactsbytheprogramstaffinperson,inwriting,bytelephone,orelectronicallywithanyparty,thechildren,thecourt,attorneys,orotherparaprofessionalsorprofessionalsinvolvedinthecase.TheseContactNotesmustbekeptinthecasefile.AllentriesshouldbedatedandsignedbythepersonwritingtheContactNote.
C. Visitation Notes.Inadditiontokeepingbasicrecordsofinformationregardingparent-childcontactasdescribedinIX.B.above,SupervisedVisitationProgramsshouldhavepoliciesandprocedures
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regardinganyotherkindsofdocumentationtheymaykeepaboutthecontact,suchasSummaryordetailedObservationNotesontheinteractionbetweentheparentandchild.
Summary Notes:SummaryNotesprovideanoverviewoftheinteractionthattookplacebetweentheparentandchildduringasupervisedvisit.TheSummaryNotemustbefactual,objective,andabsentofanyprofessionalrecommendations.UnlikethedetailedObservationNote,theSummaryNoteshallnotcontainacomprehensivelistofallbehaviorsobservedbetweentheparentandchild.Instead,thisreportismeanttoprovideabriefsynopsisoftheparent-childcontact.
Observation Notes:Detailedobservations,called“ObservationNotes,”offeracomprehensiveaccountofeventsthattookplacebetweenthevisitorandchildduringvisits,signedbythestaffmember/volunteerwhocompletedtheNotes.ObservationNotesshouldincludefacts,observations,anddirectstatements,notopinionsorrecommendationsregardingfuturevisitation.WhendevelopingpoliciesandproceduresgoverningObservationNotes,ProgramsshouldtakeintoaccountthepotentialfortheNotestobereviewedbycourts,theotherparentorhis/herattorney,andotheroutsideagencies.Allnotesshouldbedocumentedinawaythatissensitivetotheculturalidentificationofthefamily,thesafetyneedsofvulnerableparentsand/orthechild(ren),andprovisionsofFloridalawaddressingthecollectionofinformationaboutthecaseandfamily.
AdecisiontokeepObservationNotesaboutvisitsshouldbebasedonanAgreementwiththeCourtand/orDCF/CBCastotheProgram’srolesandobligations,thesafetyneedsoftheparentsandchildren,andthecompellingreasonfortherecordingofsuchdetails.Inthepast,Programshavereportednumerousinstancesinwhichthedocumentationtheyhavekepthasbeenusedlaterbythepartiestogaintheupperhandinlitigation,toharasstheProgram,andtoharasseachother.Inaddition,descriptionsofbodylanguage,physicalproximity,facialexpressions,emotions,eyecontact,andinteractionsmaybeculturallyvariable.Therefore,descriptionsofsuch,especiallywhenrelatedbyamonitorwithadifferentculturalbackground,maybeinterpretedincorrectly.Suchexperienceshavethusledtothefollowingcaveat:unlesstheyarespecificallyrequiredtokeepdetailedobservationnotesbythecourtsorDCF/CBC,whichmayhavealegitimateneedforsuchdetail,Programsshouldconsiderkeepingonlysummarynotes,withoutlengthydetailsofactivities.TheexceptiontothisisinthemakingandkeepingofCriticalIncidentReports,whicharerequiredtobekeptunderSectionIX.B.,above.
D. Reports to the Court.ThefrequencyandcontentsofReportstotheCourtaregovernedbythelocalAgreementswiththeCourtand/orDCF,exceptthatnoProgramwillmakerecommendationsastothelongtermplacementofthechildreninsuchReports.
IfcurrentAgreementswiththeCourtand/orDCF/CBCdonotaddressReportstotheCourt,thefollowingStandardsapply:
ReportstotheCourtmustbesubmittedineachcaseimmediatelyuponaCriticalIncident.OtherReportsarerequiredtobesubmittedtotheCourteverysixmonthsunlessotherwisespecifiedintheAgreementorCourtOrder.ReportstotheCourtshallincludesummariesofalloftheinformationinSectionIX.B.above.ContactnotesandIntakenotesshouldnotbeincludedinReportstotheCourt,unlessotherwiseorderedbytheCourt.
AcopyofanyReportshouldbesenttoallparties,theirattorneys,andtheattorneyforthechild.
E. Required Language for Observation Notes and Reports.AllObservationNotesorReportstotheCourtshouldindicatethattheobservationshaveoccurredinastructuredandprotectedsettingand
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thatcareshouldbeexercisedbyanyreaderinmakingpredictionsabouthowthecontactsmightoccurinadifferentsetting.
F. Parties Requesting Reports at Other Times.TheAgreementwiththeCourt/DCFshoulddictatetheProgram’spoliciesaboutreleasinginformationregardingvisits/visitfilesandadditionalReportsthatpartiesmayrequest.IftheAgreementissilentastosuchpolicies,andapartyrequestsanyinformationregardingsupervisedvisitationoranydocumentationkeptinthefileoutsideofthetimeframespecifiedabove(everysixmonths)and/orbeyondthesummarydescribedin“IX.D.ReportstotheCourt,”above,thepartymustfileaMotionforsuch,andmakeashowingofgoodcausethatcanbechallengedbytheotherpartyortheProgram.AnyresultingcourtordershoulddirecttheProgramastowhatdocumentationshouldbereleased.
G. Evaluative Reports.Evaluativereports,whichprovideanassessmentthatoffersprofessionalopinionsandrecommendationsastotheobservedcontactbetweentheparentandchild,arenotproducedbyFlorida’sSupervisedVisitationPrograms,exceptunderextraordinarycircumstances.Suchreportsmaybecompletedonlybyalicensedmentalhealthprofessionalorotherwisequalifiedprofessional.Withoutpriorapprovalfromthechiefjudgeorfromthecourt,aProgramshouldnotofferareportthatprovidesrecommendationsorexpressesopinions,specificallyanopinionabouttheappropriatefuturecourseofaccessbetweenaparentandchildwhohavebeensupervisedbyaProgram.Thetermevaluativeshouldnotbeconfusedwithanexpertevaluationofaminorchildprovidedinaccordancewithrule12.363,FloridaFamilyLawRulesofProcedure.
H. Information-sharing policy.Programsshoulddevelopinformation-sharingpoliciesthatprotectthesafetyofparticipantstothegreatestextentpossibleandareconsistentwithstateandfederallaws,includingmandatorychildabuse-reportinglaws.Programinformation-sharingpoliciesshallalsocomplywithStandardX,below.
I. Maintenance of Records.Unlessotherwisespecifiedbythecourt,Programsshallmaintainallrecordsforaperiodoffiveyearsfromthelastrecordedactivity,oruntilthechildreachestheageofmajority,whichevercomesfirst.
J. Destruction of records.Programsshoulddeveloppolicies,consistentwithstateandfederallaws,regardingthedestructionofrecords.
Compliance measures: all Programs must maintain the following:
1. Copy of current agreement with the Court and DCF/CBC;
2. Confidential client case files with mandatory documents as outlined in a., B., and C;
3. Copies of redacted reports to the Court when requested for random audit; and
4. Written policies on information-sharing, record maintenance, and destruction of records.
X. All Programs shall have written confidentiality policies to protect the safety of participants.
A. Internal Confidentiality Policies
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ProgramstaffandvolunteersshallsignanacknowledgmentthattheywillkeepallparticipantinformationconfidentialduringtheiremploymentwiththeProgramandaftertheyarenolongeremployedexceptincertaincircumstances,asrequiredintheCodeofConductinPrincipleTwo.Programemployeesandvolunteersshallrefrainfromdiscussinganyinformationaboutparticipantsoutsideoftheworkplaceorinthepresenceofnon-Programpersonnelon-site.
Programsshallkeepallcasefilesinamannertoensurethatidentifyinginformationissecureandprotectedfrompublicview.
Programsshallensurethatonlyappropriatestaffmembershaveaccesstoparticipantinformation.Programsshallidentifywhichstaffmembersneedfullaccessandwhichstaffmembersneedonlylimitedaccesstoparticipantinformationtoeffectivelyperformtheirjobs.
Domesticviolencecases:ConsistentwithFloridalaw,Programsshallkeepconfidentialaddresses,schoolinformation,andotherlocation/contactinformationaboutvictimsandchildrenindomesticviolencecases.
Compliance measures:
1. Programs shall have written policies to maintain files in a secure location.
2. Programs shall have written policies to identify which staff members have full and limited access to participant information.
3. Programs shall have on file copies of dated and signed Code of Conduct for each employee/ volunteer/intern with a confidentiality pledge.
B. Sharing of Information Outside of the Program
StaffandvolunteersofSupervisedVisitationProgramsshallprotectthesafetyofallparticipantsservedbytheProgrambykeepingallinformationaboutparticipantsconfidential,andnotsharingthisinformationwithanyoutsidepersonoragencywithoutwrittenconsentoftheparticipant,exceptinthefollowingsituations:
Whenreportingsuspectedchildabuseorneglecttotheappropriateauthorityasrequiredbylaw;
WhenpreparingaReporttotheCourt,asgovernedbyapplicableProgrampolicy;
Whenrespondingtoavalidsubpoenaissuedbythepartiesorthecourt;
Whenreportingthreatsofharmtoselforotherstotheappropriateauthorityasrequiredbylaw;
Whenmakingreportstoemergencypersonnelinanemergencysituation;
Whenreportingthecommissionofacrimeon-siteattheProgram;
Whenrequiredbyacourtorder,warrant,orotherapplicablelaw.
Programstaffshall,atintake,explaintoparticipantstheconfidentialitypolicy,thatitisnotabsolute,and
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thecircumstancesinwhichaProgrammayhavetorevealconfidentialinformationorprovideProgramrecordswithoutconsent.ProgramsshallofferparticipantsaformtosignacknowledgingthatstaffhasexplainedtothemtheProgram’sconfidentialitypolicyandthecircumstancesinwhichtheProgrammayhavetoreleaseconfidentialinformation.Programsshallhavewrittenconsentformstoreleaseinformationthathaveexpirationdatesanddesignatetheinformationthatwillbedisclosedandthepersonoragencyreceivingtheinformation.
Compliance measures:
1. Written polices stating that Programs must have signed consent from participants to release information, and the circumstances in which a Program may release information without written consent.
2. Form acknowledging that staff explained to the participant the Program’s confidentiality policies and when a Program may release information without consent.
3. Standard consent form authorizing release of information by participants, if applicable.
XI. Periodic case review is essential to enhance safety.
AllProgramsshallperiodicallyreassesscasesandreviewthesafetyneedsofadultsandchild(ren)todeterminewhethertheProgramisprovidingthenecessaryservicesandlevelofsafetyascircumstancesmaychange.ProgramsareencouragedtofrequentlyinquireastothesafetyneedsoftheparentsandchildandtoadjustservicesaccordinglywithinavailableresourcesandthescopeoftheseStandards.
Compliance measures:
1. all Programs must have written policies for formal and informal reviews of cases in which visits have been accepted and in which visits are ongoing. Informal reviews may consist of staff’s verbal communication with parents inquiring as to their safety and satisfaction with the visitation process. Indications of informal review of cases must be at least briefly notated in the case file at least every 60 days (although Programs are encouraged to do so more often).
2. all Program Directors or their designees must also conduct and document a formal case review of each individual open case every six months, starting from the date of the first visit in a case until the case is closed. these formal reviews are a quality-assurance check to ensure compliance with these Standards and should include a checklist of elements tracking these Standards. Formal reviews also ensure that Programs are inquiring as to a parent’s safety and satisfaction with the visitation process and are updating address, phone, and contact information, health information, and noting any other relevant
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status changes of the parties and child(ren). Formal reviews must be documented, dated, and notated as to the staff who conducted the review.
XII. All Programs must have thorough, written security policies.
A. SupervisedVisitationProgramsmustestablishawrittenprotocolorLetterofAgreementwithalocallawenforcementagencythatdescribeswhatemergencyassistanceandemergencycallresponsescanbeexpectedfromthelocallawenforcementagency.
B.Inaddition,aProgramshallhavewrittensecuritypoliciesconcerningthefollowing:
• Policiesandprocedurestoscreenforriskineachcaseandforeachclient.
• Policiesreflectingcriteriabywhichservicestoafamilywillbeterminatedorsuspendedbasedonthesafetyneedsandrisksoftheindividuals.
• PoliciesthatensurethattheProgramisdesignedandadministeredinwaystoreduceabatterer’sopportunitytocontinueabusebefore,during,andimmediatelyaftervisits.
• Policiesandenforcementofstaggeredentranceandarrivaltimesfortheparents,specificallyplannedbythestafftomeettheuniquesafetyneedsoftheindividuals.
• Policiesallowingforaparenttoremainon-siteinasecurelocationincircumstancesinwhichthephysicalneedsorsafetyconcernsofthechildorparentcallforsuchanarrangement.
• Policiesdesignedtokeepparentsseparatedatalltimesduringthevisitationprocess,includingintake,interviews,arrivalanddeparture,andthevisititself.Thisseparationmustbephysical,auditory,andvisual.
• Policiesonmakingcaseacceptance/rejectiondecisions(thesemustbecommunicatedtoclientsandreferringagencies).
• Evacuationproceduresincaseofanemergency,designedwiththeinputoflocallawenforcementandincompliancewithlocalcodes.
• AgreementswithlocallawenforcementincludingsitesafetyattheProgram,emergencyresponsestocallsforhelp,thephysicallayoutofthebuildingforpurposesofimmediateinterventionorevacuation,asafetyplanfortheagencyanditsemployees,backgroundscreeningofclientsaccordingtoProgramprotocols,andaplanforthearrivalanddepartureofclientsaccordingtotheirsafetyneeds.
• Policiesforrespondingto,recording,andreportingofcriticalincidentssuchasviolent,dangerous,orinappropriatebehaviorofclients.
• Procedurestofollowwhenchildabuseisdisclosed,known,orsuspected,includingbutnotlimitedtocallingtheFloridaAbuseHotlineat1-800-96-Abuse.
• Policiesforrespondingtomedicalemergencies;client,staff,orvolunteerinjuries;andworker’scompensationprocedures.
• PoliciesforProgramstafftoreportanyinstanceinwhichaparentthreatens,abuses,orstalkstheotherparentorstaff,evenifsuchbehavioroccursoffsite.
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• Policiesforcommunicatingwiththereferringsource,includingthecourt,outliningtheproperwaysinwhichthecourtshouldreceiveanyreports.
• Policiesforthesafeandappropriateuseofanysecuritytoolsaprogrammaychoosetouseonsite,suchasmetaldetectors,cameraorrecordingequipment,breathalyzers,orpanicbuttons.
• Policiesforreferringparentstocommunityresourcesinordertohelpenhancetheirsafetyorwell-being,includingmentalhealthprofessionals,battererinterventionprograms,CertifiedDomesticViolenceCenters,substanceabusetreatment,housinginformation,healthcareproviders,andsocialservicesagenciesandorganizations.
• PoliciesspecificallydesignedtopreventandrespondtotheattemptedabductionofachildfromtheProgram.
• Policiesandproceduresaddressingparcels/containersbroughttotheProgrambyparticipants.Programsmaychoosetocreateamandatoryprohibitionoramandatoryinspectionofallbags,packages,purses,duffels,briefcases,backpacks,and/oranyothertypeofcontainerinwhichitemsmaybeconcealed.ProgramsshouldgiveparticipantsachoiceastowhethertoleaveitemsathomeorhavethemsubjecttoinspectionattheProgram.Thesepoliciesmustreflectstaffawarenessofthedangersassociatedwithweapons,substances,orotherdangerous,illegal,orinappropriateitemswhichmaybeknowinglyorunknowinglybroughtintovisitationprogramsbyparticipants.
C. Security Personnel:SeeSectiononScreeningCasesandDangerAssessments.Onsitesecuritypersonnelareanaspirationalbestpractice(tobeusedinconjunctionwithmanyothersafetyconsiderations),althoughtheseStandardsdonotmandatethepresenceofsecurity.
Compliance measures:
1. all Programs must have comprehensive policies as described in this Standard, which must be made available to or accessible by all participants (e.g. web access, hard copies, or electronic copies).
2. each case file must reflect the date on which the participants were given copies or informed of the means to access Program policies and procedures.
3. a Letter of agreement with local law enforcement must be updated with current signatures from lead officials or their designees at least every 18 months.
XIII. All Programs must have policies to enhance child safety.
Childrenmustnotbeleftunattendedwithavisitor(theirownoranyothervisitor)atanytimeduringvisitationservices,exceptpursuanttocourtorder.
Ifachildrefusestovisitwiththevisitorinsuchawayorforsuchaperiodoftimethatitraisesconcernsthatcontinuationofservicesmaybedetrimentaltothechild’ssafetyandemotionalwell-being,thenaProgrammustsuspendservicespendingresolutionoftheissueandnotificationoftheappropriatepartiesor
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referringagencies.
Nochildshallbephysicallyforcedtovisitwithaparentagainsthis/herwill.
Nopersonshallspank,hit,orthreatenachildataSupervisedVisitationProgram.
Theratioofchildrentoamonitorshouldbecontingentupon:
• Thedegreeofriskfactorspresentineachcase;
• Thenatureofsupervisionrequiredineachcase;
• Thenumberandagesofthechildrentobesupervisedduringavisit;
• Thenumberofpeoplevisitingthechildduringthevisit;
• Thedurationandlocationofthevisit;and
• Theexperienceofthestaffmemberprovidingthesupervision.
Thecontactbetweenthevisitingparentandthechildmustbesupervisedcontinuallyone-on-onesothatallverbalcommunicationisheardandallphysicalcontactisobserved,unlessotherwiseindicatedinthecourtorder.
Programsmustdemonstratethattheymaintainchild-safepremisesbytakingpracticalprecautionssuchas:
• Checkforhazardshasbeendoneat“child’seye”level
• Securedelectricalwiresandoutletsarecovered
• Emergencyphonenumbersareposted
• Exitsareclearlymarked
• Accesstopremisesarecontrolledandmonitored
• Premisesarefreefromtoxicmaterialsuchaslead-basedpaint
• Childrenaresupervisedbyadultsinparkingareas
• Areasarekeptcleanandunobstructed
• Tapwateris120degreesFahrenheitorless
• Spaceheatersarenotusedinserviceareas
• Smokingisnotpermitted
• Staffistrainedinemergencyprocedures
• Nontoxicartsuppliesareused
• Noadult-sizescissorsorknivesinservicesrooms
• Firstaidkitonpremises
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Programsmustallownowhispering,passingnotes,handsignals,orbodysignals.TheexceptiontothisruleistheneedforuseofAmericanSignLanguageandthepresenceofaninterpretertrainedtosupervisevisits.
ProgramsmustinformanyparentwhohasparentalresponsibilityorlegalcustodianunderFloridalawif,duringavisit,therehasbeenaninjurytothechild,acriticalincidentduringsupervisedvisitation,oranincidentthatpresentsarisktoaparent,unlessotherwisedirectedbychildprotectiveservices,thecourt,orlawenforcementduringaninvestigation.
Compliance measure:
all Programs must have child safety polices and site practices which reflect the considerations in this section.
XIV. All Programs must have special safety protocols for cases involving child sexual abuse.
AProgrammusthavewrittenpoliciesandproceduresforthesupervisionofcaseswithallegationsorfindingsofsexualabusethatprovideforthesafetyofallparticipantsusingtheservice.AnyProgramsupervisingtheparent/childcontactwhensexualabusehasbeenallegedorprovenmusthavespecifictraininginchildsexualabuseanditseffectonchildren.ThisisrequiredbyFloridaStatute39.0139.
Ifsexualabusehasbeenallegedorproven,aSupervisedVisitationProgramshall:
• Obtainawrittenorderfromthecourtfindingthatthesafety,well-being,andphysical,mental,andemotionalhealthofthechildisnotendangeredbytheorderedvisitation.Thiscourtordershallalsoincludespecificationsfromthecourtofanyconditionsitfindsnecessarytoprotectthechild.
• FilewiththechiefjudgeofthecircuitinwhichtheProgramislocatedacurrentaffidavitofcomplianceandAgreementwiththeCourtandDCFaffirmingthattheProgramhasagreedtocomplywiththeseMinimumStandards.
• EnsurethatProgramstaffwhosupervisevisitsorothercontacthavespecifictraininginchildsexualabuseprovidedthroughtheClearinghouseonSupervisedVisitationanddocumentedinpersonnelfiles.
• Requirevisitationtobesupervisedbyapersonwhohaspreviouslyreceivedspecialtraininginthedynamicsofchildsexualabuse.
• Haveprotocolsforobtainingbackgroundmaterialonthefamilypriortotheinitiationofservices.
• Acceptonlythosechildsexualabusereferralsforwhichstaffhavetherequisitebackgroundmaterial,training,andsecurityinplacetosafelymonitorcontact.
• Declinereferralsofchildsexualabusecaseswhenstafflacknecessarytrainingoreducation,whenbackgroundmaterialhasnotbeenreceived,orwhenlackofsecuritymayallowrevictimizationofthechild.
• SuspendvisitsincaseswhenthechildappearstobetraumatizedbythevisitsorwhentheindividualvisitingorhavingothercontactengagesininappropriatebehaviororviolatesProgramrules.
• Inadditiontoothersafetyconsiderationsmentionedinthissection,insexualabusecases,staffshall:
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– Allownoexchangesofgifts,money,orcards;
– Allownophotographing,audiotaping,orvideotaping;and
– Allownoextendedphysicalcontactwiththechildsuchaslapsitting,haircombing,stroking,handholding,prolongedhugging,wrestling,tickling,horseplaying,changingdiapers,oraccompanyingthechildtothebathroom.
Compliance measure:
all Programs must have written policies regarding cases of sexual abuse on file which reflect the content in this section.
XV. All Programs must have written gift policies.
EachProgrammusthaveawrittenpolicyregardinggift-giving,andthispolicymustbesharedwithparents/visitorspriortotheimplementationofsupervisedvisitation.Notethattherearenogiftsallowedinallegedorprovensexualabusecases.
IndevelopingProgramgift-givingpolicies,thefollowingshouldbeconsidered:
• Thepotentialformanipulationofthechildbytheparentthroughgift-giving;
• Thepotentialforthegifttofunctionasatriggerthatremindsthechildofpriortrauma;
• Theopportunityfortheparent/visitortousethegiftasameanstocommunicatewiththeotherparentcontrarytocourtorder;
• Thesocio-economicconstraintsofsomeparents,andthepossibleembarrassmentachildmayfeelwhenseeingotherchildrenreceivinggiftsatvisits;
• Thepotentialforotherfamiliestofeelasthoughtheymustcompetewiththegifts;
• Thefactthat,independencyout-of-homecases,parentsareoftenencouragedtobringtoys,clothes,food,etc.tovisitswiththeirchild(ren);
• The“normal”expectationofachildtoreceiveagiftonoraroundhis/herbirthday,orcertainholidays;
• Thedegreetowhich(ifatall)foodbroughttothevisitistobeconsideredagift;
• Thedegreetowhich(ifatall)money,giftcards,oritemssuchasdiapersandformulaaretobeconsideredgifts,whenprovidedbytheparent/visitorforthebenefit,care,and/ormaintenanceofthechild.
IfProgrampolicypermitsgift-giving,thepolicymustincludethefollowingminimumprovisions:
• ThatforthesafetyofchildrenandotherindividualspresentattheSupervisedVisitationProgram,allgiftsbroughtforthechildmustbeunwrappedorinagiftbagtoallowforstaffinspectionpriortothevisit;
• Thatanyitemsbroughttothevisitbutnotpermittedinthevisitationroomwillbesecuredandreturnedtotheparent/visitorattheconclusionofthevisit;and
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• ThattheProgramdirector(ordesignatedstaffperson)hastheauthoritytoprohibitthegivingofagiftinanysituationwhereitappearsthatthegiftmaybeinappropriate,potentiallyharmful,ordisturbingto the child.
• ThatProgramstaffwillrequirethattheparent/visitorrefrainfromengaginginanydiscussions,activities,orgivingofgiftsthataredeemedinappropriate;
• Thatnoelectronicdevices(i.e.,radio,CDplayers,headphones,taperecorders,cellphones,cameras,MP3players,etc.)arepermittedforuseinthevisitationroom;and
• That,inmakingthecase-by-casedeterminationastowhetherornotgift-givingistobepermitted,appropriateweightwillbegiventoeachofthefollowing:
– Inputfromthenon-offendingparent;
– Informationobtainedfromthedependencycasemanager(ifapplicable);
– InformationobtainedatthetimeoftheinitialProgramintake;
– Informationgleanedfromon-goingassessmentofthechildandparent/visitor.
Compliance measure:
all Programs must have a written gift policy and must have a consistent, verifiable process in place to ensure that parents/visitors are sensitively apprised of the policy at the time of supervised visitation initiation.
XVI. All Programs must have general and liability insurance for staff and volunteers.
Compliance measure:
all Programs must have proof of insurance.
XVII. Supervised Visitation Program staff shall not make recommendations as to the custody or long-term placement of the child.
XVIII. Any Off-Site Visitation is subject to increased safety measures and training.
A. Off-Site Visitation:Innon-dependencycases,courtssometimesaskProgramstoprovidesupervisionofparent-childcontactinasettingsuchasamall,restaurant,park,oranyotherlocationnotontheProgram’sphysicalsite.Thesevisitsarecalled“off-site”visitsbecause,bydefinition,theyarenotconductedinaProgramsite/location.Theyhavethedisadvantageoflesscontrol,fewersafetyprecautions,andincreasedriskofinterveningpersonsandcircumstances.Forthesereasons,manyprogramsdonotoffer“off-site”visits.
Note:Nothinginthissectionappliestodependencycasesinnon-ProgramreferralsgovernedunderChapter§39FloridaStatutes.
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B. General Considerations for Off-Site Decisions
Thefollowingconsiderationsapplytooff-sitedecisions:
1. Programsmaynotbecompelledtoconductoff-sitevisitsbyanyreferringsource,includingthecourts.
2. Programdirectorsretainthediscretiontorejectanyoff-sitereferralforsafetyreasons.
3. Caseswherethereiscurrentlyenteredatemporaryorfinalorderofinjunctionforprotectionagainstdomesticviolenceorwheretherehasbeenacriminalno-contactorderorcriminalconvictionfordomesticviolencearenotappropriateforoff-sitevisits.
4. Casesinwhichthereareallegationsofsexualabusearenotappropriateforoff-sitevisits.
5. Programsmustdemonstratethattheyhaveconsideredtherisksinvolvedbeforeagreeingtosuperviseoff-sitevisits.
6. Referringjudgesmustissuewrittenordersforoff-sitevisitsandmustconsideranypotentialsafetyrisks,includingallegationsofdomesticviolence.Theordermustcontainspecificfindingsthatoff-sitevisitationissafeforthepartiesandthechildandisinthechild’sbestinterest.
C. Risks Involved
Thefollowingisapartiallistofrisksinherentinoff-sitevisits.TheClearinghousetrainingmaterialsaddresstheserisksmorethoroughly.
• Risksofchildabduction.Anunsecuredlocationwithmanyentrances/exits,openspaces,publicaccess,and/orcrowdsincreasestheabilityofaparentorhis/hercohortstoabductthechild.
• Risksofchildabuse.Theabilitytobevigilant–hearandseeeverythinggoingoninavisit-isanessentialcomponentofsupervisedvisitation,butisseverelyreducedinoff-sitevisits.
• Slowresponsesinemergency.Programshaveon-sitesecurityplansandworkcloselywithlocallawenforcementtoaugmentsafety.Theabilitytogethelpquicklyoff-sitemaybereducedbytheverynatureofoff-sitevisits.Staffsimplyhavelesscontroloverthesetting,interveningfactors,andsurroundingcircumstances.
• Multiplechildcomplications.Havingmorethanonechildpresentincreasesthepossibilitythatthechildrenwillnotbeappropriatelymonitoredoff-site;thatifsomethingsuchasanillnessaffectonechild,allofthestaff ’sattentionmustgotothatchild;thatchildrencandistractthemonitor’sattentioneasily,andthatthereisnobackuptoassistthemonitorasthereisonsite.
• Transportationrisks.VisitmonitorsarenotpermittedtotransferchildrenintheirowncarsunlesstheProgramprovidesadequateandspecificliabilityinsuranceforsuchtransportation.Thismakesoff-sitevisitationmuchmorelikelytoinvolvethetransportingparents(whoareinvolvedinthedispute)tohaveanopportunitytonegativelyinteractinthepresenceofthechildren.Italsoincreasestheriskstonon-offendingvictimparents.
• Concealedweaponsrisk.On-site,programschoosebetweenprohibitingvisitorsfrombringingpackagesorparcelstovisits,orsearchinganysuchparcelsbroughtonsite.Thishelpsavoidthepresenceanddangersofconcealedweapons.Off-sitevisitsoffernosuchcontrol,asthereisnowaytosecureapublicpark,mall,orothersimilarlocation.
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• Interveningemergenciesandcircumstances.Poweroutages,storms,interveningadultswhoshowupunannounced(parent’sfriends,family,etc),alldecreasethemonitor’sabilitytocontrolthevisit.
D. Off-Site Prerequisites
ForthosecommunitiesandProgramsthathaveconsideredtherisksyethavedecidedtoofferoff-sitevisits,thefollowingapply:
1. Programsthatofferoff-sitevisitsmustbecertifiedundertheseStandards.
2. Off-sitevisitationcanonlyconductedbystaffwhohaveatleastthreeyearsofexperienceworkingwithfamiliesatanon-siteProgram.
3. Eachoff-sitereferralmustbepursuanttoacourtorderwhichspecificallystatesthatoff-sitevisitationisinthechild’sbestinterest.
4. AnyProgramofferingoff-sitevisitsmusthaveliabilityinsurancethatspecificallyincludescoverageofoff-sitevisits.
5. Separatepoliciesandproceduresdealingwithoff-sitesecurityissuesmustbedevelopedbytheProgramandmusthavebeenpartofthecertificationprocess.Inotherwords,ifaProgrambecomescertifiedbeforeitoffersoff-siteservices,itmustsubmittoanewreviewofitsoff-siteproceduresbeforeitcaninitiateoff-siteservices.
6. TheProgram’sAgreementwiththecourtmustincludereferencestoalloftheaboveprerequisites(numbers1-5ofthissection).
7. Programsmaynotcircumventtheserequirementsbyreferringoffsitecasestocurrentvolunteersorstaffactingas“independentcontractors.”Allcurrentvolunteersandstaffmustagreenottotakecasesindependently.ThismustbepartoftheCodeofConduct.(TheCodeofConductispartofPrincipleTwo:Training.)
Compliance measures:
all Programs that offer off-site visitation in non-dependency cases must provide the following:
1. Proof of liability insurance which includes a provision for off-site visitation;
2. Copies of court orders in all off-site visits which include a statement that off-site visitation is in the child(ren)’s best interest;
3. Copies of Program policies and procedures specifically dealing with off-site security issues, including those listed in this section and the Program’s right to decline referrals and/or decide not to offer any off-site visitation structure;
4. Copies of Certificate of Completion of Clearinghouse’s “off-site Considerations” training; and
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5. Copies of the agreement with the Court enumerating the prerequisite requirements above.
Sections xIx to xxxI apply to Stand-alone monitored exchange Programs oNLy
XIX. All Stand-Alone Monitored Exchange Programs (without a Supervised Visitation component) must have specific written operating policies and procedures.
ParticipantsinMonitoredExchangeProgramsmustbeinformedastoProgramprocedures.Participantswhoareknowledgeableandfamiliarwiththeseproceduresmaybemorelikelytoconsiderthemselvespartnersintheexchangeprocess,makingtheprocesssafer.
Astand-aloneMonitoredExchangeProgrammusthavecomprehensivewrittenoperatingpoliciesandproceduresavailableforviewingbyparticipants,whichshallinclude,ataminimum:
• typesofservices,hoursofoperation,feeschedule;
• casereferralprocedures;
• dangerassessmentforallreferraltypes;
• intake,acceptance,anddischargepolicies;
• proceduresforcommunicationwiththecourt,includinghowtheProgramandthecourtwillavoidimpermissibleexpartecommunication;
• policiesandproceduresfordocumentingobservedbehavior;
• policiesandproceduresregardingrecordretentionandreleaseofinformation;
• proceduresforprovidingreportstothecourt;
• securitymeasuresandemergencyprotocoland/orprocedures;
• participantgrievanceprocedures;
• employmentpoliciesandpoliciesgoverningtheacceptanceanddischargeofvolunteers,including:non-discriminationpoliciesregardingtheemployee,intern,orvolunteer’srace,religion,gender,sexualorientation,nationalorigin,age,disability,maritalstatus;andpoliciesthatcomplywiththelawsandregulationsgoverningfairemploymentpractices.
AllProgramsmustprovidereferringsourceswithcopiesoftheabove.AnychangesmadetoaProgram’srole,function,operationalpoliciesandprocedures,and/orcapacitythataffecttheProgram’sservicesmustbereportedtocourts,referringagencies,andclientsimmediately.
Compliance measure:
all Stand-alone monitored exchange Programs must have these comprehensive written policies. Copies or explanations of these
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comprehensive policies and procedures must be provided to all participants and referring sources. each case file must reflect the date on which the participants were given or informed of the policies and procedures. If Programs change their operation or policies/procedures/capacity, copies of written notices to the courts and referring agencies must be kept on file.
XX. The physical layout of the premises must meet the safety needs of participants for the brief period of the exchange.Programsshouldbeabletodemonstratethattheyhaveconsideredsafetywithregardtosuchelementsasexteriorlightingifexchangesaredoneatnight,visibilityofparkinglots,andflowofothervehicletraffic,aswellaspedestriantraffic,throughthepremises.
Compliance measure:
all Stand-alone monitored exchange Programs must have a written premises safety plan describing compliance with this Section.
XXI. All Stand-Alone Monitored Exchange Programs must have documentation for each referral.
A. Overview on how Stand-Alone Monitored Exchange Programs receive cases
Dependingonindividualprogrampolicies,referralstoMonitoredExchangeProgramsmaybemadebythecourtorfromthepartiesthemselves.
1. AgreementswiththeCourt:IfaProgramreceivescourtreferrals,itmusthaveanAgreementwiththeCourtinwhichtheProgramislocatedwhichspecifiesthescopeandlimitationsoftheProgram’sservices,thelocalproceduresforcourtreferrals,andthemannerandproceduresforcommunicatingwithandprovidingreportstothecourt.TheAgreementwiththeCourtmustconfirmcompliancewiththeseStandards.SuchanagreementmayalsobemoreprescriptivethantheseStandards,butmaynotbelessso.AnnualAffidavitsofCompliancewiththeseStandardsmustalsobekeptonfilewiththeCircuitCourtinwhichtheProgramislocated.
2. Self-Referrals:Stand-AloneMonitoredExchangeProgramsmay,attheirdiscretion,acceptaself-referredfamilyorafamilyreferredbysomeotheragencywithoutacourtorderifthereisnocurrentcivillitigationorcriminalactioninvolvingtheparentsand/ortheirchildren.Anagreementsignedbytheparentsisrequiredtoacceptthesecases.Ifatanytimeacivilorcriminalactionisfiledbyorregardingthepartiesrelatingtothechildren,acourtordermustbeobtainedtocontinueexchanges.(Thisdoesnotincludeordersforchildsupport.)
Inaddition,if,atthetimeoftheProgram’sinitialintakeofaself-referredcaseoratanyothertimeduringthecourseofthemonitoredexchangesinthesecases,aparentorchildallegesthereisdomesticviolenceinthefamily,ortheProgramotherwiselearnsofahistoryofdomesticviolence,thenadditionalstepsmustbetaken.TheProgrammustconductanadditionalsafetyevaluation(inadditiontothedangerassessmentrequiredineverycase)toensurethatthecasecanbeacceptedorcontinuedwithoutacourtorder.
Thisadditionalsafetyevaluationwillentailthefollowing:theProgrammustmeetwitheachparentindividuallytoassesssafetyconsiderations,powerimbalance,manipulation,orotherpotentialfor
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risktothevictimorchildrenduringthevisits.Withoutrevealingparty-identifyinginformation,theMonitoredExchangeProgrammustconsultwithaCertifiedDomesticViolenceCenteroraCertifiedSexualAssaultProgramregardingthecasetoidentifyanyadditionalsafetyconcerns.Ifneitherofthoseprogramsisavailableforconsultation,thentheMonitoredExchangeProgrammayconsultwithavictim-witnessexpertintheState’sAttorneyOfficeorthelocallawenforcementagency,oralocalmentalhealthprofessionalwhohasexpertiseindomesticviolenceissuesanddealingwithvictims.ThegoalisforMonitoredExchangeProgramsistoconsultwithalocaldomesticviolenceexpertinself-referredcasestoenhancesafety.TheProgrammustalsoinformthevictimoftheservicesoftheCertifiedDomesticViolenceCenter.However,theProgrammaynotrequirethevictimtousetheservicesoftheCertifiedDomesticViolenceCenter.
Afteralloftheaboveoccur,ifnocivilorcriminalactionisfiledregardingthepartiesandtheirchildren,andiftheMonitoredExchangeProgramsubsequentlydeterminesthatthecaseisappropriatefortheProgram,thentheProgrammayallowthepartiestoaccessorcontinuetoaccessitsservices.TheMonitoredExchangeProgramshallkeeparecordconcerningthemeetingswitheachparentandtheconsultationwiththeCertifiedDomesticViolenceCenter.
Compliance measures:
1. all Programs must have a written policy as to the kinds of referrals it will accept.
2. In every individual case file there must be:
a. a signed court order for monitored exchange at the Program;
b. a referral from some other agency that assists families, or a self referral, both with an agreement of the Parties to use the monitored exchange Program;
c. Documentation of danger assessment screening in all cases (including a record of safety evaluations and a Certified Domestic Violence Center consultation completed in self-referred cases in which domestic violence may exist in the family);
d. Documentation affirming that participants were provided with copies or explanations of the Program’s comprehensive policies and procedures; and
3. all Programs must have on file a copy of the current agreement with the Court, the agreement with DCF (if applicable), and affidavits of Compliance.
3.AgreementsSignedbyParties
Inallcases,regardlessofthereferralsource,theexchangingpartiesmustsignanAgreementcontainingassurancesthattheywillcomplywiththerequirementsoftheProgram.AProgram’sstandardAgreementmustcontainatleastthefollowing,butmaycontainadditionalinformationaswell.
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B. Minimum elements of an agreement with participants at a Stand-Alone Monitored Exchange Program
Regardlessofthesourceofreferral,allparticipantsinalltypesofcasesmustsignanddateanAgreementwiththeMonitoredExchangeProgrampriortothefirstexchange.EachAgreementmustincludeatleastthefollowingelements,butcanincludeothersatthediscretionoftheProgram:
GeneralProgramusageinformation,including:
• TheprimarypurposeoftheMonitoredExchangeProgram
• HoursofoperationoftheProgram,holidays
• A“holdharmless”clause
• Prohibitionsonfirearmsandweaponsofanykind
• Buildingaccessinformation–arrivalanddeparturetime
• SpecificsecurityprotocolsandconditionsoftheProgram
• Informationregardingrecordsaccess
• Feeandfineinformation
• Processofforms,reports,andcourtcorrespondence
• Schedulingandcancelingexchanges,includingtheProgram’sdiscretiontocancelanyexchange
OverallunderstandingandagreementwithProgramrules:TheAgreementmustalsoincludeaprovisionthattheparticipantshavereviewedandunderstandtheProgram’smonitoredexchangerulesandwillabidebythem.
Specificadditionalrules:TheAgreementmustalsocontainremindersofcommonlyrelevantissues,includingatleast:
• Policiesregardingsuspicionofdrugoralcoholusepriortoorduringexchange
• Policiesregardingtherequirementofconfirmingtheidentityofallexchangeparticipants
• Policiesregardingkeepingthechild’spersonalinformationconfidential(whereliving,phonenumber,etc.)
• Policiesregardingcorporalpunishmentattheexchangesite
• Policiesaboutspeakingforeignlanguages(ifapplicable)
• Asectionforspecialconditions,ifany
• Signatureanddateofbothparents,andofProgramrepresentative.
XXII. Each case must be screened and assessed for potential dangers.
TheSupervisedVisitationStandardsCommitteebelievesthat,inordertoenhancesafetywhenProgramsreceivecasesthatmaypresentheightenedrisk,allMonitoredExchangeProgramsinFloridashouldbefundedtotheextentnecessarytoenablethehiringoflawenforcementpersonnelwhoaretrainedinandsensitivetothedynamicsoffamilyviolencetobepresentduringexchanges.However,theCommitteealso
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believesthatthereareadditionalstepsthatcanbetakentohelpenhancesecurity,includingstafftrainingandclientassessment.
Programstaffmustconductacomprehensiveassessmentofeachcaseinordertobestevaluateandplanfortheuniquenatureandpotentialforanddegreeofriskwhicheachcasepresents.Inordertoconductanappropriateassessment,theProgramshouldobtainidentifyingandbackgroundinformationrelevanttothereasonforthereferralandanypossiblerisksineachcase.Suchinformationmustinclude(i)copiesofanyprotectiveorders,(ii)currentfamilyorcriminalcourtordersinvolvingtheparties,(iii)anycompletedreferralformsrelatingtomonitoredexchange,(iv)informationregardingallegationsofdomesticviolence,physical,orsexualabuse,(v)informationdetailinganychronicphysicalormentalhealthissuesoftheparentorchildintermsofhowmonitoredexchangesmightbeaffected,and(vi)anyinformationrelatingtoparentaldrugoralcoholusethatmightinterferewithmonitoredexchanges.
Numerousstudiesonfamilyviolence,includingfatalityreviewsconductedbystatesinadditiontoFlorida,haveresultedintheidentificationofcertainindicatorsthatsignifythepossibilityofanincreasedrisktovictimsofdomesticviolence.Thesefactorsincludeanyinstancesinwhich:
1. Inthepast12months,therehasbeenanincreaseinthelevelofphysicalorothertypesofviolenceinthecase.
2. Thevictimhasbeenchokedorthebattererhasattemptedtostrangleher.
3. Thevictimhasbeengrabbedsuddenlyandforcefullybythebatterer.
4. Thevictimhasbeenheld/pinneddownbythebatterer.
5. Thevictimhasbeenshakenorroughlyhandledbythebatterer.
6. Thevictimhasbeenbittenbythebatterer.
7. Thevictimhasbeenrestrictedfromuseofthetelephonebythebatterer.
8. Thevictimhasbeenrestrictedfromuseofthecarbythebatterer.
9. Thevictimhasbeenblamedforthebatterer’sproblems.
10.Thevictimiscurrentlyinadomesticviolenceshelterorhasmadeothereffortstoleavethebatterer.
11.Thebattererdrovedangerouslywiththevictiminthecar.
12.Thebattererhasthreatenedtokillhimselfwithinthepast30days.
13.Thebattererhasthreatenedtokillthevictimwithinthepast30days.
14.Thebattererhasthreatenedtokillthechildrenwithinthepast30days.
15.Thebattererhascriminalchargespending.
16.Thebattererhasviolatedavictim’sorderforprotection.
17.Thebattererhasfailedtoappearforfinalhearingorhearingonorderforprotection.
18.Thebattererhasthreatenedtoharmorhasharmedfamilypets.
19.Thebattererhasmentalhealthconditionswhichmayincreaseviolence.
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20.Thebattererhasburnedthevictim.
21.Thebattererhasrecentlyacquiredgunsorknives.
22.Thebattererhasbecomemorethreateningwithgunsorkniveshepreviouslypossessed.
23.Thebattererhasthrownsomethingatthevictim.
24.Thebattererhasstalkedorattemptedtousesurveillancetacticstomonitorthevictimwithinthepast30days.
25.Thebattererhasthreatenedtohavethevictimcommittedtoamentalinstitution.
26.Thebattererhasdestroyedthevictim’spersonalproperty(clothing,furniture,personalbelongings,orcar)withinthepast30days.
27.Thebattererhasphysicallyforcedthevictimtohavesex.
28.Thebattererhastriedtostopthevictimfromseekinghelpfromlawenforcement,domesticviolenceshelter,SupervisedVisitationProgram,court,orotheragencies.
29.Thebattererhaslockedthevictiminthehomeorotherwiseimprisonedheragainstherwillwithinthepast30days.
30.Thebattererhastoldthevictimthathecannotlivewithoutherandtheirchildren.
Source:Dr.JackieCampbell/TheDangerAssessment/http://www.dangerassessment.com/WebApplication1/default.aspx
ItisvitalthateachProgramconsidertheseelementswhenmakingadeterminationastothelevelofsecuritynecessaryineachcaseinordertohelpensurethesafetyofvulnerablevictimsandchildrenduringmonitoredexchanges.
Compliance measure:
each file must include documentation that a Danger assessment was conducted in every case. assessments conducted by other entities are not considered substitutes for a Program’s own assessment, although a Program is encouraged to review the work of other entities in the case if it has access to such. Programs must keep copies of existing safety evaluations and/or Certified Domestic Violence Center consultation completed in self-referred cases which indicate whether domestic violence exists in the family.
XXIII. Intake policies enhance security at monitored exchange programs.
AProgrammustconductseparateintakewithbothparentsandthechildpriortothefirstmonitoredexchange.[Ifthechildisinout-of-home,non-relativeplacement,theProgramisnotrequiredtoconductanintakewiththecustodian,butwillhavereceivedaReferralFormfromthecasemanager.]
Intakeservesseveralpurposes:tocollectinformationrelatingtothefamily,thereasonsforthe
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monitoredexchange,andtheresourcesnecessarytoeffecttheexchange;todeterminewhethertheProgramwillacceptorrejectthecase;toacquaintthosewhosecasesareacceptedwithProgrammissionandgoals;tofamiliarizetheparentswiththeservicesprovidedandinvitethemtoberespectedparticipantsintheprocess;todiscusstheexpectationsoftheparentsaswellastheProgram’sexpectations;todiscusstheindividualsafetyneedsofthefamilyanddiscusshowtheProgramcanassistthefamily;toconductadangerassessmentandenhanceparticipantsafety;andtodiscusstheProgrampoliciesregardingconfidentialityandinformationsharing.
Monitored Exchange Intake
ThenewMonitoredExchangeIntakeStandardsrequirethatintakebecompletedwithparents.Thefollowingelementsshouldbediscussedtoensurethehighestlevelofsafetyandparentalunderstandingoftheexchangeprocess.
1. Addressandphonenumbersofparent
2. Age(s)andname(s)ofchild(ren)
3. Names,address,andphotographsofchildrenandalladultparticipantswhoareauthorizedtoexchangethechild
4. Incomeofparents(ifrequiredbyProgramfunders)
5. Maritalstatusofparents
6. Lastdateofparentingtimewithchildren
7. Anyspecialneedsofeachparent(physical/mental/emotional)whichProgramstaffwouldneedtobeawareofpriortoexchanges,inordertobestaccommodatetheparent’sneeds
8. Determineifthereisahistoryofdomesticviolencewiththerequireddangerassessment
9. Doesthechild(ren)haveanyspecialphysicalormentalhealthissuesthatmaybeofconcernatexchanges?
Reminder
Priortothefirstexchange,remindtheparentsthattheyarerequiredtoattendanintakesessionwithstaffpriortotheexchange.AphotoIDisrequiredatthisintake.
Compliance measure:
all Programs must have a copy of intake forms in each file.
XXIV. Case acceptance, rejection, and termination policies are required at Monitored Exchange Programs.
Afterintake,aProgrammaychoosetoacceptacase.However,aProgramshalldeclinetoacceptacaseforwhichitcannotreasonablyensurethesafetyofallclients,programstaff,andvolunteers,includingbutnotlimitedtothefollowingreasons:
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• thenatureofthecaseorclientistoovolatile;
• theexchangemonitorsarenotadequatelytrainedtomanageissuesidentifiedintheintake;
• thefacilitiesarenotadequatetoprovidethenecessarylevelofsecurity;
• theProgramhasinsufficientresources;or
• aconflictofinterestexists.
Terminating the exchange.Programsreservetherighttoterminateanexchangeifanypersonendangerstheemotionalorphysicalsafetyofaparent,child,orstaffmemberinvolvedinthecase.Ifanyparentengagesininappropriatebehaviorthatmay,ifcontinued,compromisesafetyon-site,theProgramstaffshouldattempttoredirectorstoptheparent’sbehavior(ifitissafetodoso),priortoterminatinganexchange.
Ifacaseisrejectedorservicesareterminatedorsuspendedforanyreason,Programsshallprovide,withinthreebusinessdays,awrittenNoticeinformingthecourtand/orreferringagencyofthereasonswhythecasewasrejected/terminated.IfthepartiescametotheProgramthroughtheirownagreement,theProgramshallprovideawrittenNoticetothemandtheirattorneys.
Other reasons for termination:
TheProgramshallsuspendorterminateanexchangeiftheparentorchildbecomesillduringtheexchangeprocess,ifthechildcannotbecomfortedwithinthetimeperiodthestaffdeterminestobeappropriate,orifoneorbothoftheclientshavefailedtocomplywiththeexchangeagreement,thedirectivesoftheexchangemonitor,orthecourt’sorder.
TheProgrammaysuspendorterminateexchangesiftheclientscontinuallyrefusetopayforservicesasdirectedinthecourtorderorreferral.
TheProgrammayterminatetheexchangesattheexpirationofthetimelimitsetbytheparties’agreementorbythecourt.Nothinginthissection,however,preventsaProgramfromallowingpartiestoobtainanex-tensionofthecourtorder/referral.Grantingsuchanextension,however,isatthediscretionoftheProgram.
Compliance measures:
all Programs must have:
1. Written protocol for rejecting cases; inclusion of this provision in the agreement with the Court, reviewed every 18 months, and
2. Written criteria for the termination or suspension of exchanges; written protocol for notifying the referral source of the termination or suspension of visits; proof of review every 18 months
XXV. Monitored Exchange Programs retain discretion for acceptance, rejection and termination of each case.
AProgramDirectorretainsdiscretionformakingtheabovedeterminationoncaserejection/acceptance/ter-mination.EvenwhenaProgramemployslawenforcementpersonneltoenhancesecurityduringexchanges,
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theremaybecaseswhichtheProgramDirectorbelievescannotbemanagedsafelyon-site,especiallyafteraproblematicexchangehastakenplace.TheProgramDirectorhasthediscretiontoterminateanexchangeifaparentappearstobeundertheinfluenceoforimpairedbyillegalorlegaldrugs.
Compliance measure:
all Programs must have a provision for Program Discretion included in agreement with the Court and reviewed every 18 months.
XXVI. A case file must be created for each family and kept according to standards of confidentiality.
A. The case file must include at a minimum:
1. CopiesoftheCourtOrder,ifapplicable;
2. TheIntakeforms(includingdocumentationofreceiptofProgrampolicyandprocedureinformation);
3. Documentationofdangerassessments;
4. Agreementformssignedbytheparties;
5. Copiesofanycommunicationregardingtheparties;
6. Recordsofallexchanges;and
7. Documentationofperiodiccasereview,ifapplicable.
B. Records of Exchanges
Aprovidermustmaintainarecordofeachexchange.Therecordmustbefactualandmustcontainataminimum,butisnotlimitedto:
1. Clientidentifierorcasenumber
2. Whichparentsorauthorizedpersonsparticipatedintheexchange
3. Whosupervisedtheexchange
4. Dates,timesofmonitoredexchanges
5. Anaccountofcriticalincidents,ifany;Programstaffmustdocumentcriticalincidentsandresponsestothem(includingmandatoryabusereports)whichmayincluderuleviolationsorattemptstocontinueabuse,particularlyinstancesinwhichactionistakenbystaff(suchasterminatingavisit)oranoutsidethirdparty,suchaslawenforcement.Criticalincidentsalsomaybeaseriesofproblematicbehaviorswhichmaybecomethebasisforachangeinthelevelofmonitoring.
6. Anaccountofending,canceling,ortemporarilysuspendingoftheexchange,includingthereasonsforendingorsuspendingtheexchange
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7. AnyfailureofthepartiestocomplywiththeProgram’sprocedures
8. Cancellations,tardiness,orno-shows,andreasonsgivenbythepartyforthetardiness,cancellation,and/orno-shows
9. Incidents/suspicionofabuseorneglect,reportedasrequiredbylaw(1-800-96-Abuse)
10.Allentriesshouldbedatedandsignedbythepersonrecordingtheentry.
C. Reports to the Court
ThefrequencyandcontentsofReportstotheCourt,whicharesummariesoftheRecordsofExchanges,aregovernedbythelocalAgreementswiththeCourtandtheindividualCourtOrdersforMonitoredExchange,exceptthatnoProgramwillmakerecommendationsastocustodyofthechildreninsuchReports.
IfcurrentAgreementswiththeCourtdonotaddressReportstotheCourt,thefollowingStandardsapply:
ReportstotheCourtmustbesubmittedineachcaseimmediatelyuponaCriticalIncident.OtherReportscanbegeneratedpursuanttoProgrampolicies,butmustalsobesenttoallparties,theirattorneys,andtheattorneyforthechild,ifapplicable.
D. Information-Sharing Policy
Programsshoulddevelopinformation-sharingpoliciesthatprotectthesafetyofparticipantstothegreatestextentpossibleandareconsistentwithstateandfederallaws,includingmandatorychildabuse-reportinglaws.Suchinformation-sharingpolicymustcomplywiththeconfidentialitypoliciesinStandardXXVIIthatfollows.
E. Maintenance of Records
Unlessotherwisespecifiedbythecourt,Programsshallmaintainallrecordsforaperiodoffiveyearsfromthelastrecordedactivity,oruntilthechildreachestheageofmajority,whichevercomesfirst.
F. Destruction of Records
Programsshoulddeveloppolicies,consistentwithstateandfederallaws,regardingthedestructionofrecords.
Compliance measures:
1. Copy of current agreement with the Court;
2. Confidential client case files with mandatory documents as outlined in a., B., and C.;
3. Redacted copies of any Reports to the Court for random auditing purposes; and
4. Written policies on information-sharing, record maintenance, and destruction of records.
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XXVII. Monitored Exchange Programs shall have written confidentiality policies to protect the safety of participants.
A. Internal Confidentiality Policies
ProgramstaffandvolunteersshallsignanacknowledgmentthattheywillkeepallparticipantinformationconfidentialduringtheiremploymentwiththeProgramandaftertheyarenolongeremployedexceptincertaincircumstances,asrequiredintheCodeofConductinPrincipleTwo.Programemployeesandvolunteersshallrefrainfromdiscussinganyinformationaboutparticipantsoutsideoftheworkplaceorinthepresenceofnon-Programpersonnelon-site.
Programsshallkeepallcasefilesinamannertoensurethatidentifyinginformationissecureandprotectedfrompublicview.
Programsshallensurethatonlyappropriatestaffmembershaveaccesstoparticipantinformation.Programsshallidentifywhichstaffmembersneedfullaccessandwhichstaffmembersneedonlylimitedaccesstoparticipantinformationtoeffectivelyperformtheirjobs.
Domesticviolencecases:ConsistentwithFloridalaw,Programsshallkeepconfidentialaddresses,schoolinformation,andotherlocation/contactinformationaboutvictimsandchildrenindomesticviolencecases.
Compliance measures:
1. Programs shall have written policies to maintain files in a secure location.
2. Programs shall have written policies to identify which staff members have full and limited access to participant information.
3. Programs shall have on file copies of dated and signed Code of Conduct for each employee/volunteer/intern with a confidentiality pledge.
B. Sharing of Information Outside of the Program
StaffandvolunteersofMonitoredExchangeProgramsshallprotectthesafetyofallparticipantsservedbytheProgrambykeepingallinformationaboutparticipantsconfidential,andnotsharingthisinformationwithanyoutsidepersonoragencywithoutwrittenconsentoftheparticipant,exceptinthefollowingsituations:
• Whenreportingsuspectedchildabuseorneglecttotheappropriateauthorityasrequiredbylaw;
• WhenpreparingaReporttotheCourt,asgovernedbyapplicableProgrampolicy;
• Whenrespondingtoavalidsubpoenaissuedbythepartiesorthecourt;
• Whenreportingthreatsofharmtoselforotherstotheappropriateauthorityasrequiredbylaw;
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• Whenmakingreportstoemergencypersonnelinanemergencysituation;
• Whenreportingthecommissionofacrimeon-siteattheProgram;
• Whenrequiredbyacourtorder,warrant,orotherapplicablelaw.
Programstaffshall,atintake,explaintoparticipantstheconfidentialitypolicy,thatitisnotabsolute,andthecircumstancesinwhichaProgrammayhavetorevealconfidentialinformationorprovideProgramrecordswithoutconsent.ProgramsshallofferparticipantsaformtosignacknowledgingthatstaffhasexplainedtothemtheProgram’sconfidentialitypolicyandthecircumstancesinwhichtheProgrammayhavetoreleaseconfidentialinformation.Programsshallhavewrittenconsentformstoreleaseinformationthathaveexpirationdatesanddesignatetheinformationthatwillbedisclosedandthepersonoragencyreceivingtheinformation.
Compliance measures:
1. Written polices stating that Programs must have written consent from participants to release information, and the circumstances in which a Program may release information without written consent.
2. Form acknowledging that staff explained to the participant the Program’s confidentiality policies and when a Program may release information without consent.
3. Consent form authorizing release of information by participants.
XXVIII. Periodic case review is required at Monitored Exchange Programs.AllProgramsshallperiodicallyreassessandreviewthesafetyneedsofadultsandchildrentodeterminewhethertheProgramisprovidingthenecessaryservicesandlevelofsafetyascircumstancesmaychange.Programsareencouragedtofrequentlyinquireastothesafetyneedsoftheparentsandchild(ren)andtoadjustservicesaccordinglywithinavailableresourcesandthescopeoftheseStandards.
Compliance measures:
1. all Programs must have written policies for formal and informal reviews of accepted cases in which visits have been accepted and in which visits monitored exchanges are ongoing. Informal reviews may consist of verbal communication with parents inquiring as to their safety and satisfaction with the visitation exchange process. Indications of informal review of cases must be at least briefly notated in the case file at least every 60 days (although Programs are encouraged to do so more often).
2. all Programs must have a formal case review every 6 months, inquiring as to a parent’s safety and satisfaction with the visitation exchange process, and including updating of address, phone, all contact information, and updated health information.
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XXIX. Security policies are required at Monitored Exchange Programs.
MonitoredExchangeProgramsmustestablishawrittenprotocolorLetterofAgreementwithalocallawenforcementagencythatdescribeswhatemergencyassistanceandemergencycallresponsescanbeexpectedfromthelocallawenforcementagency.
A. Programs shall have written security policies concerning the following:
Policiesandprocedurestoscreenforriskineachcase.
1. Policiesreflectingcriteriabywhichservicestoafamilywillbeterminatedorsuspendedbasedonthesafetyneedsandrisksoftheindividuals.
2. Policiesdesignedtokeepparentsphysicallyseparatedduringtheexchangeprocess,includingintake,interviews,andtheexchangeitself.
3. Policiesonmakingcaseacceptance/rejectiondecisions(thesemustbecommunicatedtoclientsandreferringagencies).
4. Evacuationproceduresincaseofanemergency,designedwiththeinputoflocallawenforcementandincompliancewithlocalcodes.
5. AgreementswithlocallawenforcementincludingsitesafetyattheProgram,emergencyresponsestocallsforhelp,thephysicallayoutoftheProgramforpurposesofimmediateinterventionorevacuation,asafetyplanfortheagencyanditsemployees,backgroundscreeningofclientsaccordingtoProgramprotocols,andaplanforthearrivalanddepartureofclientsaccordingtotheirsafetyneeds.
6. Policiesforrespondingto,recording,andreportingcriticalincidentssuchasviolent,dangerous,orinappropriatebehaviorofclients.
7. Policiesforrespondingtomedicalemergencies,client,staff,orvolunteerinjuriesandworker’scompensationprocedures.
8. PoliciesforProgramstafftoreportanyinstanceinwhichaparentthreatens,abuses,orstalkstheotherparent,orstaff,evenifsuchbehavioroccursoff-site.
9. Policiesforcommunicatingwiththereferringsource,includingthecourt,outliningtheproperwaysinwhichthecourtshouldreceiveanyreports.
10.PoliciesspecificallydesignedtopreventandrespondtotheattemptedabductionofachildfromtheProgram.
Compliance measure:
all Programs must have written policies reflecting the above, reviewed every 18 months. the Letter of agreement with law enforcement should be updated with current signatures from law enforcement at least every 18 months.
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B. Security Personnel at Monitored Exchange Programs:SeeSectiononScreeningCasesandDangerAssessments.Onsitesecuritypersonnelareanaspirationalbestpractice(tobeusedinconjunctionwithmanyothersafetyconsiderations),althoughtheseStandardsdonotmandatethepresenceofsecurity.
C. Child Safety is Crucial at Monitored Exchange
DuringMonitoredExchange,ifachildrefusestogowillinglytoaparentinsuchawayorforsuchaperiodoftimethatitraisesconcernsthatcontinuationofservicesmaybedetrimentaltothechild’ssafetyoremotionalwell-being,thentheProgrammustsuspendservicespendingresolutionoftheissueandnotificationoftheappropriatepartiesorreferringagencies.
Nochildshallbephysicallyforcedtovisitwithoraccompanyaparentagainsthis/herwill.
Nopersonshallspank,hit,orthreatenachildduringmonitoredexchanges.
XXX. All Monitored Exchange Programs must have general and liability insurance for staff and volunteers.
Compliance measure:
all Programs must have proof of insurance.
XXXI. Monitored Exchange Program staff shall not make recommendations as to the custody or long-term placement of the child.
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PRINCIPLe tWo: tRaININg Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Program staff and volunteers must have specific
qualifications and skills as well as initial and ongoing training on the complex and often overlapping issues that bring families to their Programs.
Introduction:ThefamiliesreferredtoSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsmayhaveanynumberofproblemsincluding,butnotlimitedto,substanceabuse,domesticviolence,mentalillness,childabuse/neglect,andlongtermparentalabsence.Allcasesmayrequiresomedegreeofstaffsupportandfacilitationdependingonavarietyofcase-specificfactors.Programswillprovidesuchsupportandfacilitationasneeded.Inordertoprovidesafeandinformedservicestothesefamilies,SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangestaffandvolunteers,includingthoseatfreestandingMonitoredExchangePrograms(whichdonotoffersupervisedvisits),musthaveinitialandongoingtraininginawidevarietyoftopics.TheseStandardsareintendedtoraisethelevelofprofessionalismofProgramssothatservicesareprovidedtovulnerablefamiliesbyhighlytrainedandknowledgeablestaffandvolunteers.
tHe StaNDaRDS
I. All Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange staff and volunteers must meet minimum qualifications.
A. All Program staff, whether paid or volunteer, who have direct contact with Program clients or children, must:
1. haveattainedtheageof18years,ifacollegeinternworkingattheProgramunderthedirectionofacollegeprofessor/instructoratanaccreditedcollegeoruniversityinanofficialpracticumcourseandunderthedirectsupervisionofProgramstaff;
2. haveattainedtheageof21years,(ifnotacollegeinternasdescribedabove)unlessstart/hiredatewaspriortoJanuary1,2008;
3. havereceivedacceptableresultsofabackgroundcheckinaccordancewithFloridaDepartmentofLawEnforcementstandardsforchildcareproviders;
4. haveattendedascreeninginterviewwiththeProgramDirector/Administratororhis/herdesigneethatincludesanapplicationandreferencesreview;
5. haveexecutedasignedstatementwhichaddressesconfidentialityinaCodeofConduct;
6. haveexecutedanAffidavitofGoodMoralCharacter;
7. haveexecutedanaffidavitofdisclosurethatlistsanyandallactivependingcriminalorcivillitigation;
8. havenoconvictionfordrivingundertheinfluence(DUI)withinthelast5years;
9. havenotbeenonprobationorparolewithinthelast10years;
10.havenoconvictionforchildabuseorothercrimesagainstaperson;
11.havenotbeennamedasthedefendant/respondentinacivilorcriminalrestrainingorderwithinthelast10years;
12.havesuccessfullycompletedadditionaltrainingrequirementsforthepositionasspecifiedinthisSection.
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B. Program staff/volunteers must avoid conflicts of interest.
Allpersonsworking/volunteeringataSupervisedVisitationProgramoraMonitoredExchangePrograminanycapacitywhichinvolvesworkingdirectlywithfamiliesmustavoidpersonalandbusinessrelationshipswithfamilymembersreferredtotheProgram(ortheircloserelatives).Thiscouldimpairprofessionaljudgmentorinviteexploitation.Inordertoavoidaconflictofinterest,noemployee/volunteershall:
1. Befinanciallydependentonthepersonbeingserved;
2. Beanemployeeofthepersonbeingserved;
3. Haveapersonalorbusinessrelationshipwiththepersonbeingserved;
4. Beanemployeeoforaffiliatedwithanycourtinthecountyinwhichtheserviceisordered,unlesstheProgramitselfiscourt-based;
5. Beafamilymemberorinanintimaterelationshipwiththepersonbeingserved.
Insomecommunities,especiallyruralareas,thelikelihoodofstaffandclientbeingpreviouslyacquaintedordistantlyrelatedmaybegreater.QuestionsregardingpotentialconflictsinextendedfamilyrelationshipswhereaclientisrelatedtoastaffmembershouldberesolvedbytheProgramDirector.
Compliance measure:
all personnel files must reflect compliance with a. and B. above. the Conflict of Interest provision can simply be a part of the Code of Conduct in each file (See Section V of this Principle). Programs may use checklists to verify that each element of Section a above is met in personnel files.
II. Program personnel must have role-specific minimum responsibilities and qualifications.
A. Program Director
1. Responsibilities of Program Directors: TheProgramDirectoroftheSupervisedVisitationand/orMonitoredExchangeProgramisresponsiblefortheoverallqualityofservices,aswellasforemployingandsupervisingstaff,ensuringthateverystaffmemberhasadequateandappropriatetrainingtomonitorvisits/exchanges,andoverseeingtheday-to-dayadministrationoftheProgram.DirectorsareresponsibleforensuringthatProgramandcasedataisroutinelyandaccuratelyenteredintotheClearinghouseSupervisedVisitationDatabase,housedatFloridaStateUniversity.Directorsarealsoabletoassumerolesassociatedwiththatofstafforvolunteers.PersonsservingasProgramDirectorsbyadifferenttitle,butwhoperformthesamefunctionsandhavethesameresponsibilities,shallmeetthesesamequalifications.IftheProgramDirectorhashiringauthorityfortheProgram,anyemployee,volunteer,orinternmaybedismissedfornocauseatthediscretionofthatProgramDirector;allemploymentandvolunteerapplications,regardlessofqualification,shallbeaccepted,denied,orotherwiseacted
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uponatthesolediscretionoftheProgramDirector/Administrator.
TheseStandardsrequireProgramDirectorstopossessdiverseskillssuchascommunicatingwiththecourt,networkingwithotheragencies,understandingstatelawsandagencypolicies,collaboratingwithawiderangeofindividualsacrossthecommunity,andunderstandingfamilydynamics.TheCommitteebelievesthatrequiringafour-yeardegreeforsuchapositionwillincreasetheprobabilitythataDirectorwillhaveasolidfoundationforsuchtasks.
Thus,all Program Directors hired after January 1, 2009musthavecompliedwiththefollowingthreerequirements:
1. GraduationfromanaccreditedcollegeoruniversitywithaBachelor’sDegreeinsocialservices orrelatedfield;and
2. Two(2)yearsprofessional,full-timeexperienceinanagencywhichhasasitscorefunctionthe protectionofchildrenorvictimsofviolence,orcustody,substanceabuse,orVisitationissues; and
3. Demonstratedproficiencyincompetency-basedtrainingdevelopedbytheFlorida ClearinghouseonSupervisedVisitation.
AlthoughtheStandardsrequirethatProgramDirectorshiredafterJanuary1,2009havebachelorsdegrees,ifthegoverningboardoragencymakesanddocumentsgood-faithbutunsuccessfuleffortstohireaqualifiedDirectorwithaBachelor’sDegreeafterJanuary1,2009,thentheProgramDirectormusthaveatleastanAssociate’sDegreeand(4)fouryearsofprofessional,full-timeexperienceinanagencywhichhasasitscorefunctiontheprotectionofchildrenorvictimsofviolence,orsubstanceabuse,mentalhealth,orcloselyrelatedfamilyissues,inadditiontothedemonstratedproficiencyincompetency-basedtrainingdevelopedbytheFloridaClearinghouseonSupervisedVisitation.
The above provisions relating to educational degrees do not apply to directors hired prior to January 1, 2009.
Compliance measures:
Beginning january 1, 2009, each Director (hired after that date) shall have proof in his/her personnel file of meeting the above requirements, including records of educational degrees and related employment.
If a Director hired after january 1, 2009 does not have a Bachelor’s Degree, then the personnel file must reflect good faith efforts to hire such a candidate, as well as proof of an associate’s Degree and additional years of related experience.
2. Training for Program Directors:Withinthreemonthsofbeinghired,allProgramDirectorsmustcomplete16hoursofadministrativetraining(inadditiontothe24hoursofstafftraininglistedinSectionIIIB.)coveringthefollowingareas:
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1. Conductingintakeandorientation,includingpreparingchildrenforthem;
2. Recordkeepingandconfidentiality;
3. Receivingreferrals;
4. Establishingavisitationorexchangecontractwithclients;
5. Settingfees;
6. Settingconditions(rules)forreceivingservices;
7. Settingupthephysicalspaceorlocationforsafevisits/exchanges;
8. Collaboratingwiththecourt,childprotectiveagencies,andotherreferringsources;
9. Referringclientstootherservices;
10.Trainingandsupervisingstaff,includingvolunteersandinterns;
11.Reportingtothecourtorotherreferringsources;
12.Testifyingincourt;
13.UsingtheClearinghouseSupervisedVisitationDatabase;
14.Suspendingand/orterminatingservices;and
15.Managingandreviewingcases.
Compliance measures:
In order to satisfy the above requirements, the 16 hours of administrative training for Program Directors must include at least three hours of Clearinghouse phone training for Directors (offered one hour per month), and may also include the following, documented in his/her personnel file:
1. Documented hours of peer mentoring relationships and consulting with other Program Directors who have served at least three years as Directors in Florida, signed by the mentor;
2. Documented hours with Community advisory/governing Boards or Committees established to assist the Supervised Visitation Program, signed by Board member(s) or circuit judge;
3. Documented hours with court staff on issues related to Supervised Visitation, signed by court staff;
4. evidence of enrollment in community college or university classes in management, family violence, or child development, or other topic related to Supervised Visitation;
5. Documented Program compliance with the Clearinghouse Database
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demonstrating that cases are entered accurately by the Director or his/her designee on at least a quarterly basis;
6. Documented conferences conducted by the office of the State Courts administrators, DCF, SVN, the Clearinghouse on Supervised Visitation, and/or Community-Based Care agencies;
7. attendance at sessions conducted in these topics at conferences by any of the following: the Florida Coalition against Domestic Violence, the Florida Council against Sexual Violence, the guardian ad Litem Program, the Supervised Visitation Network, and the Child advocacy Centers, or any local trainings sponsored by the above.
Notes: the Clearinghouse will develop forms to track compliance with training. Such forms may include checklists and copies of written materials related to Clearinghouse and other acceptable trainings. If Directors are unsure whether specific materials will meet these requirements, they must contact the Clearinghouse directly for guidance.
For all Directors hired after january 1, 2009, any Certificates of Completion of Clearinghouse web-based materials, including the manuals for Supervised Visitation Programs and the Child Sexual abuse Referrals manual, must accompany copies of written answers to case scenarios, exercises, and quizzes in his/her personnel file to meet these requirements.
Competency in materials developed by the Clearinghouse will be demonstrated by evidence of satisfactory completion of written exercise and test answers to each chapter in Clearinghouse manuals as well as attendance certificates at Clearinghouse telephonic trainings.
B. Monitors/Observers
1. Responsibilities of Visitation monitors: Personsservinginthiscapacity,whetherpaidorvolunteer,areresponsiblefornotonlysupervisingthecontactbetweenthevisitorandchild(ren)inaccordancewiththeProgram’smission,butalsoforfacilitatingandsupportingthatcontactasnecessary.Inallcases,whetherpaidorvolunteer,theVisitationmonitor/observershall:
a. ensurethatcontactbetweenpartiesproceedspursuanttotheVisitationagreementandcourtorder;
b. relayrelevantinformationrelatingtothechild’swelfarebetweenthecustodianandvisitoratthecommencementandconclusionofsupervisedcontact(e.g.specialneeds,medication,diet,etc.);independencycases,relayrelevantinformationtothecasemanager;
c. intervene,wherenecessaryorappropriate,toensurethewelfareofthechildand/orparent;
d. facilitate,ifnecessary,child/parentinteractionduringthesupervisedcontact;
e. terminatethevisitifthechild’ssafetyorthatofotherparties’orstaffcannotbemaintained;
f. provideconstructivefeedback,correction,orredirectionrespectfullytotheparent(s);
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g. documentthevisitsconsistentwithProgrampolicies.
2. Responsibilities of Monitored Exchange Observers:Personsservinginthiscapacity,whetherpaidorvolunteer,areresponsibleformonitoringtheexchangeofthechildfromparenttoparentinaccordancewiththeProgram’smission.Inallcases,whetherpaidorvolunteer,theMonitoredExchangestaff/volunteershall:
a. EnsurethatcontactbetweenpartiesproceedspursuanttotheMonitoredExchangeagreementandcourtorder;
b. Relayrelevantinformationrelatingtothechild’swelfaretotheparents(e.g.specialneeds,medication,diet,etc.);
c. Terminatetheexchangeifthechild’ssafetyorthatofotherparties’orstaffcannotbemaintained;
f. DocumenttheexchangesconsistentwithProgrampolicies.
3. Qualifications for all Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Staff
StaffandvolunteersatallSupervisedVisitationorMonitoredExchangeProgramsmusthavethefollowingminimumqualificationspriortohavingdirectcontactwithfamiliesorchildrenattheProgram:
Education:HighSchoolDiplomaorEquivalencyCertificate.Inaddition,SupervisedVisitationstaffandvolunteersmustalsohavethefollowingmentoringandtraining:
Mentoring:Five(5)hoursinamentoring/practicumtrainingProgramwithapracticingSupervisedVisitationmonitoratanexistingVisitationProgram.Thesefivehoursshallinclude:
a. Directobservationofparent/childcontactperformedbyatrainedVisitationmonitor(shadowing);
b. Co-supervisionofthevisitbythetraineewithatrainedVisitationmonitor;and
c. DirectobservationbyatrainedVisitationmonitorwhilethetraineeindependentlysupervisesthevisit(reverseshadowing).
Training:24hoursoftrainingforthoseworkinginSupervisedVisitation;16hoursoftrainingforthoseworkinginMonitoredExchange;andforboth,demonstratedproficiencyincompetency-basedtrainingasspecifiedbytheFloridaClearinghouseonSupervisedVisitation,whichshallincludethetopicslistedinSectionIII.
Compliance measure:
each personnel file shall have proof of staff and volunteers meeting the above requirements, including records of educational degrees, mentoring, and related training. training topics are discussed in the Standard III.
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C. College Interns
1. Qualifications of College Interns: PersonsservinginthiscapacityatSupervisedVisitationorMonitoredExchangeProgramsmustmeetthefollowingminimumqualifications:
a.Enrollmentinanaccreditedfouryearcollegeoruniversityorcommunitycollegeandofficialenrollmentinapracticum/internshipprogramunderthesupervisionofacollegeinstructor/administrator.
b.Officialenrollmentinacollegeoruniversityinanareaofmajorstudiesrelatedtofamilies,children,domesticviolence,substanceabuse,mentalhealth,orthefunctionoftheProgram.
c. PresentationofclearlydefinededucationalgoalsandobjectivesrelatedtoSupervisedVisitationorMonitoredExchange(whichmayincludeasyllabus,relevantcoursework,etc.)
Nointern,volunteer,orstaffmembershallbeabletomonitorafamilyvisitationorexchangewithoutdirectandconstantsupervisionbyfully-trainedstaffuntilsuchtimeashe/shehascompletedtherequiredtraining.(24hoursforSupervisedVisitation,16hoursforMonitoredExchangeonly).The24hoursoftrainingmustbecompletedwithinthreemonthsofthedateofhire/start,absenthardshiporspecialcircumstancesdocumentedinthepersonnelfile.Insuchspecialcases,the24hoursoftrainingmustbecompletedwithinsixmonthsofthehire/startdate.
Compliance measure:
each personnel file shall have proof of staff and volunteers meeting the above requirements, including records of educational degrees, mentoring, and related training. training topics are discussed in Section III below.
D. Qualifications of Others: Thequalificationsandtrainingrequiredofthosestaff/volunteer/internswhodonothavedirectcontactwithchildren,parents,orotherProgramparticipants,isleftuptothediscretionoftheProgramDirector.
III. Training is required for all Program staff and volunteers.
A. Programs must have staff/volunteers trained in many issues.
1. ThetrainingofProgramstaff/volunteersmustcorrespondwiththeservicesofferedbytheProgramandtheneedsofandtheriskspresentedbythefamily.
2. Insomeindividualreferrals,thefamilymaynotneedinterventionorfacilitationbythestaff.However,allreferralsmustbeassessedtodeterminethelevelofProgramfacilitationandsupportnecessary.NoProgrammayadoptaprogram-wide“nofacilitation,observationonly”policyforallreferredcases.
3. Anypersonwhohasnotcompletedtherequiredtrainingmayprovidedirectservicetofamiliesonlyunderthedirectandconstantsupervisionofapersonwhohascompletedtherequiredtraining.
4. WhenSupervisedVisitationorMonitoredExchangeservicesareprovidedoroperatedbyan
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agencywhoseprimaryfunctionisnotSupervisedVisitationorMonitoredExchange,theagencyisresponsibleforensuringthatstafforpersonsprovidingSupervisedVisitationorMonitoredExchangearetrainedandqualifiedaccordingtotheseStandards.
5. AnypersonprovidingTherapeuticSupervisedVisitationservicesataProgrammustbealicensedmentalhealthprofessionalandhavethesameamountoftrainingasProgramDirectors.
B. Training Topics for All Supervised Visitation Program Personnel
Allstaff/volunteers/internswhohavecontactwithchildrenandparticipantsinvolvedinthesupervisedvisitationprocessmusthave24hoursoftraininginthefollowingtopics:
1. Programpoliciesandprocedures;
2. Safetyforallparticipants;
3. Mandatorychildabusereporting;
4. FloridaStandardsandStatutes,includingtheKeepingChildrenSafeAct;
5. Professionalboundaries,conflictofinterest,confidentiality;
6. Basicstagesofchilddevelopment;
7. Effectsofseparationanddivorceonchildrenandfamilies;
8. Griefandlossassociatedwithparentalseparationandremovalfromthehomeduetochildabuseandneglect;
9. Culturalsensitivity,multiculturalism,anddiversity;
10.Dangerassessments;
11.Familyviolence,includingdomesticviolenceandtheeffectsofdomesticviolenceonchildren;
12.Childmaltreatment,includingchildsexualabuse;
13.Substanceabuse;
14.Provisionsofservicetoparentsandchildrenwithmentalhealthanddevelopmentalissuesorotherphysicaloremotionalimpairment;
15.Programdocumentationpoliciesandphilosophies;
16.Parentintroduction/re-introduction;
17.Interventiontopromotechange;
18.Parentingskills;
19.Assertivenesstrainingandconflictresolution;
20.Howandwhentointerveneduringvisitsorexchangestomaintainthesafetyofallparticipants;and
21.Preparationoffactualobservationnotesandreports.
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Note:ItislefttothediscretionofProgramdirectorstodeterminethelengthoftimedevotedtoeachtopic.
C. Training for Supervised Exchange only
NotwithstandingtherequirementoftheaboveSection,anypersonprovidingonlysupervisedexchangeservices,eitherataProgramwhichalsoofferssupervisedvisitation,oratafreestandingMonitoredExchangeProgram(thatdoesnotoffersupervisedvisits)maymeetthesestandardsbycompleting16hoursoftrainingpriortoconductinganyexchanges,toincludethefollowing:
1. FloridaStandardsandStatutes,includingtheKeepingChildrenSafeAct;
2. Providerpoliciesandprocedures;
3. DangerAssessmentsandsafetyforallparticipants;
4. Mandatorychildabusereporting;
5. Professionalboundaries,conflictofinterest,confidentiality;
6. Documentationpoliciesandphilosophiestoensureallstaffhasanunderstandingofandcomplieswiththem;
7. Effectsofseparationanddivorceonchildrenandfamilies;
8. Familyviolence,includingdomesticviolenceandtheeffectsofdomesticviolenceonchildren;
9. Culturalsensitivityanddiversity;
10.Childabuse,includingchildsexualabuseandneglect;
11.Substanceabuse;
12.Provisionsofservicetoparentsandchildrenwithmentalhealthanddevelopmentalissuesorotherphysicaloremotionalimpairment;
13.Parentintroduction/re-introduction;
14.Assertivenesstrainingandconflictresolution;
15.Howandwhentointerveneduringexchangestoprotectandmaintainthesafetyofallparticipants;
16.InformationreportinganddocumentationaccordingtoProgrampolicies;
17.Relevantlawsregardingchildcustodyandvisitationandchildprotection;
18.Interventiontopromotechange;
19.Parentingskills;and
20.Behaviorsthatfacilitatepositiveattachment,separation,andreconnection.
Note:ItislefttothediscretionofProgramdirectorstodeterminethelengthoftimedevotedtoeachtopic.
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Compliance measures:
the personnel files for all staff, volunteers, and interns must reflect that the training requirements detailed herein are met. Records of training shall include hour amount, topic, type, and date of training. For purposes of meeting the training requirements, all of the following training opportunities are acceptable:
training sessions, conferences, curricula, or meetings on the training topics listed in this Section taught by Program directors or their designees meet this requirement. other acceptable trainings/sessions/conferences/curricula/meetings which serve to meet these training requirements include those sponsored by the Clearinghouse on Supervised Visitation, the Florida Coalition against Domestic Violence, the Florida Council against Sexual assault, the guardian ad Litem Program, the Florida Department of Children and Families or its contracted agencies, the Supervised Visitation Network, the office of the State Courts administrator, the Florida Bar, or community mental health or substance abuse treatment agencies.
IV. All Program Staff must participate in continuing education.
Alldirectors,staff,volunteers,andinternsmustparticipateincontinuingeducationontopicsrelatedtoSupervisedVisitationand/orMonitoredExchangeincluding,butnotlimitedto,thetopicslistedinStandardIII.BofthisPrinciple.Afterthefirstyearoftheiremployment,allfull-timepersonnelatSupervisedVisitationProgramsmusthaveatleastsevenhoursofcontinuingeducationperyearofemployment,andpart-timepersonnelmusthavethreehoursofcontinuingeducationineachyearofemployment.Allstaff,bothpartandfulltimeatProgramswhichonlyoffermonitoredexchanges,notvisits,musthavethreehoursofcontinuingeducation.Atleastonehoureachyearofthistrainingmustbedevotedtoissuesofmulticulturalism,recognizingandovercomingbiases,andenhancingculturalcompetency.
Compliance measures:
all personnel files must reflect the topics, source/media, and hours of continuing education for each person for each calendar year. all files must include at least one hour of training on multicultural issues, diversity training, or cultural competency. It is the responsibility of the Program Director to determine that the hours are met. It is left to the discretion of the Director to determine what will suffice as continuing education, as Directors may choose in-service practical role-playing, on-line training, individual reading of articles/books/journals, training at agencies or organizations as indicated in the compliance measure of Standard III, or some other form of training. Cultural competency training can include these and other activities, such as guest speakers who can assist staff in cultural capacity-building.
V. All Program personnel must abide by a Code of Conduct.
EachpersonwhohasdirectcontactwithfamiliesandchildrenintheProgrammustsignaCodeof
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ConductthatincludesatleasttheprovisionsinthemodelCodeincludedinthisSection.
tHe moDeL VISItatIoN/moNItoReD exCHaNge PRogRam CoDe oF CoNDUCt StatemeNt
Allparticipantsintheservicesoftheprogramareentitledtorespectful,well-trainedstaffandvolunteers.TheSupervisedVisitation/MonitoredExchangeProgramstaff/volunteeragreestomaintainhighstandardsofconductincarryingouthisorherdutiesandobligations.Staff/volunteersagreealsoto:
1. DiligentlyadheretotheProgram’spoliciesandproceduresinthemonitoringofallfamilies;
2. Resistinfluencesandpressuresthatinterferewithimpartialmonitoring;
3. Reporthonestlyandimpartiallyaboutwhatoccursduringvisits/exchanges;
4. Respecttheprivacyofthechildandthefamilyandholdconfidentialallinformationobtainedinthecourse of serviceasastaffmemberorvolunteerwiththeVisitation/MonitoredExchangeProgram,asrequiredbylawandProgramstandards;
5. DeclinetomonitorcasesinwhichheorshemayhaveaconflictofinterestasdescribedintheStandards;
6. Attendpre-servicetrainingandin-servicetrainingsasrequiredbypositiondescriptionandlengthofemploymentorservicewiththeProgram;
7. Notpractice,condone,facilitate,orparticipateinanyformofdiscriminationonthebasisofrace,color,sex,sexualorientation,age,religion,nationalorigin,maritalstatus,politicalbelief,mentalorphysicalhandicap,oranyotherpreferenceorpersonalcharacteristic,condition,orstatus;
8. Declineanyreferralsofnon-Program,private-paycasesinwhichprivatepartiesortheirattorneyshaveaskedforsupervisedvisitationormonitoredexchangeservices;and
9. KeepallinformationregardingpersonswhoparticipateinTheSunshineVisitationProgramconfidentialasrequiredbyProgrampolicies.
Iwillnotdisclose,orparticipateinthedisclosureof,confidentialinformationrelatingtoacase,child,orfamilytoanypersonwhoisnotapartytothecause,exceptinObservationReportsandasprovidedbylaworcourtorder,bothduringandaftermyinvolvementwiththeProgram.Iwillabidebyallprotectionsofconfidentialityprovidedtovictimsofdomesticviolence.Iunderstandthataviolationofconfidentialitymayresultindisciplinaryactionuptoandincludingtermination.IfurtherunderstandthatIcouldbesubjecttolegalaction.
FailuretocomplywiththeCodeofConductmayresultindisciplineordischarge.Theindividualherebyacknowledgesthathe/shedoesnothavearighttoserveinanycapacityattheProgram,butthathe/sheservesattheProgramDirector’sdiscretion.
__________________________________________________SignatureofVisitationMonitor/Date
Compliance measure:
each volunteer, staff member, or intern file must contain a signed and dated Code of Conduct which has been signed before the individual has contact with families.
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PRINCIPLe tHRee: DIgNIty aND DIVeRSIty All clients who use Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Programs are entitled to be
treated in a fair and respectful manner that acknowledges their dignity and diversity. Introduction:Florida’sSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsmusttreatindividualsfairlyandrespectfullyinwaysthatacknowledgetheirlifecircumstancesandculturalbackgroundswithoutignoringthesafetyconcernsthatresultedinthereferraltotheProgram.
Floridaisalarge,diversestate.FamiliesreferredtoSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsincludeindividualsfromeverysocio-economic,ethnic,andracialgrouprepresentedinFlorida’spopulation.Programsshouldstrivetoberesponsivetothediverseculturesofthefamiliestheyserve.Inaddition,familiesreceivingservicesmayexperienceawiderangeofemotions,includingfrustration,sadness,anger,embarrassment,happiness,confusion,fear,relief,anxiety,andanticipation.Thecomplexitiesofthecourtsystemandjudicialprocessescoupledwiththeperceivedintrusionofoutsidersintotheirprivatelivescanoftenexacerbatetheseemotionsandmakedealingeffectivelywithfamilymembersdifficultforevenexperiencedstaff.
Asaresultofthesedynamics,itisessentialforallProgramstooffertheparents(aswellasthechild,dependingonhisorherageandmaturity)anopportunitytohelpshapethevisitationorexchangeprocesstomakeitaspositiveandrewardingaspossibleforeachparticipant.Thisshouldbedoneinsuchawayastoacknowledgetheuniquestrengths,experiences,values,circumstances,needs,andculturalbackgroundsofeachpersonreceivingProgramservices.
tHe StaNDaRDS
I. All Programs must have non-discriminatory practices.
AllProgramsmusthavecomprehensivepolicieswhichmustbecommunicatedtoparticipantsinarespectful,sensitivemanner,emphasizingthattheyarenotpunitiveinnaturebutinsteadarepartofbroadprogrampurposeinkeepingfamiliessafe.SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsshallnotdiscriminateagainstanyclientduetorace,religion,gender,sexualorientation,nationalorigin,age,disability,maritalstatus,oreconomicstatus.
Individualsexperiencetheirculturesdifferentlyandassimilateotherculturalvaluesindifferentwaysandtovaryingdegrees.Anindividual’sculturalrealitycomesfromtheuniqueperspectivebasedonthatperson’slifeexperiencesinthecontextoftheculturaltraditionsandvaluestowhichheorshesubscribes.Staffandvolunteersmustthereforebewillingtotrytounderstandtheindividualexperiencesandperspectivesofthosewithwhomtheyinteract.
Compliance measures:
1. all Programs must have a non-discriminatory practices statement on file, signed by the Program director and updated annually. Program audits will review grievance files for claims of discriminatory practices, as well as compliance with cultural competency training (Principle two: training).
2. Families must be asked at Intake about what they may need to make the service sensitive to the unique characteristics of that family. this inquiry is incorporated into Principle one, in the list of Intake questions.
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(This is currently encompassed in the Intake section of Principle One: Safety and is listed as Special Considerations, Needs, and Issues. It is at this point that staff can, within safety considerations, begin to reach out to families to sensitively acknowledge and accommodate their unique characteristics. Those characteristics may include issues of race/ethnicity, mental or physical health, developmental challenges and capabilities, and other issues.)
II. All Programs must prioritize staff diversity.
SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsshouldstrivetorecruitandhirebilingualandculturallydiversestaff/volunteers/internsfromwithinthecommunitywheneverpossibleinordertobestservefamilieswhoarefromdiversegroups,andthosewhospeaklanguagesotherthanEnglish.
Compliance measure:
administrative files must contain copies of job descriptions, recruitment material, outreach letters to community organizations (referred to in Principle Four: Community), or other material which demonstrates that the Program has sought diverse staff/volunteers/interns in the last year.
III. All Programs should provide interpreters as needed within Program resources.
Optimally,allcommunicationbetweenProgramstaffandthefamiliestheyserveshouldbeconductedintheprimarylanguageofthefamily.ThisincludesIntake,discussionsaboutservices,andtheservicesthemselves.Thus,Programsshouldseekfundingandresourcesforinterpreters,inadditiontobilingualstaffandvolunteers,ineverycommunitytheyserve.However,inanygivencommunitytherearepotentiallydozensoflanguagesspokenbyfamilies,anditmaynotbepossibleforaProgramtoprovidestaffwhospeakthoselanguages.Thus,thefollowingstandardsapply:
Whenafamily’sprimarylanguageisnotEnglish,thebestapproachisfortheservicetobeprovidedinthefamily’slanguage.Thismeansthatthestaff/volunteersshouldbebilingual,abletospeakandunderstandthefamily’slanguage.Wheneverpossible,Programsmuststrivetopermitfamiliestocompleteorientations,receiveinformation,askquestions,andparticipateinservicesusingtheirnativeorpreferredlanguageorsignlanguage.Programadministratorsshouldtrytoworkwithcommunitygroupstofacilitatetheavail-abilityofSupervisedVisitationandExchangeservicesintheindividual’snativeorpreferredlanguage,whetherthroughtheuseofverbalorsignlanguageinterpretationservicesorthroughbilingualstaff.
IftheProgramdoesnothaveabilingualstaffmembertoassistthefamily,theProgramshouldfindaninterpreterwhoisorcanbetrainedintheProgram’spoliciesandwhocanassiststaffwithprovidingservicestothefamily.TheProgrammustensurethattherole,policies,andsafetyprecautionsoftheProgramareclearlycommunicatedtoeveryinterpreter.
ThepresenceofaninterpreterdoesnotreplacetherequirementofhavingProgrampersonnelfullyobservetheservice;theinterpretermerelytranslateswhatisbeingsaidandhelpsthemonitorcommunicatewiththefamily.Programsshouldworkwithcommunityagenciesandgroupsfromwhichinterpreterscanberecruited.AllinterpretersmustsignProgramConfidentialityAgreements.
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Inthosecaseswhereinterpreterservicesarenotavailable,theProgramshouldaskthefamilymembersiftheycancommunicateinEnglish.TheProgramshouldprovideservicesinEnglishonlyifthefamilyspeaksEnglishandagreestospeakonlyEnglishduringthevisit.However,theProgramshoulddeclinethereferralandnotifythecourtorotherreferralsourceifnointerpretercanbelocatedandthefamilycannotorwillnotspeakEnglishduringtheprovisionofservices.
Problems with using family members and/or friends of the family as interpreters:FamilymembersandfriendsarenotappropriateinterpretersatPrograms,asconflictsofinterest,intimidation,emotionalattachments,andfamilialalignmentmakethepossibilityofmeaningful,vigilantsupervisionimprobable.Afamilymemberorfriendmaytrulybelievethatheorshecanundertaketheresponsibilityofservingasaninterpreter.Itisaltogetherlikelythatthemajorityofsuchfamilymembersandfriendshavegoodintentions.Inaddition,thereferralsourcemaybedesperatetofindsomeonetoprovideinterpretationatthevisit.Thus,thetemptationtousesuchvolunteersisgreat.However,thirdpartieswhohaveaconflictofinterestinthecaseshouldnotbeusedasinterpreters.
Compliance measures:
1. all Programs must be able to demonstrate that they have collaborated with the court, community agencies, and groups to facilitate the availability of bilingual staff/volunteers/interns within the last calendar year. Programs must also demonstrate that they have made significant efforts to find funding for interpreters if they have had to decline referrals because of lack of interpreters. a file of such efforts must be kept for audit purposes. Copies of fliers and letters, agendas from meetings, and summaries of phone conferences (with dates and attendance lists) are all acceptable proof of such efforts.
2. In each case file in which an interpreter is used, there must be a signed and dated confidentiality agreement.
IV. All Programs must be responsive to diverse views of family.
Allfamiliesaredifferent.Therolesandresponsibilitiesofchild-rearingmayincludepersonsotherthanaparentinanyparticularfamily,andsomefamiliesmayemphasizethebondsbetweenotheradults(orevenanolderchild)andachildwhohasbeenseparatedfromafamilypursuanttolitigationorchildmaltreatmentallegations.Thesedynamicsmayreflectacommonculturalpracticeofcertainethnicorracialcommunities,ortheymaysimplyexistasacharacteristicofanindividualfamily.Thus,Programsshouldconsider(withintheconstraintsofexistingcourtorders,inputandanysafetyconcernsfromthecasemanager,aswellasthenon-offendingparent)allowingotheradultsandchildrentoaccompanythevisitingparenttothevisitsorexchanges.
Compliance measure:
a copy of written Program policy demonstrating that the Program allows families under some circumstances to bring other adults or children to the visit or exchange must be kept on file.
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V. Programs must undertake a periodic assessment of multiculturalism efforts. AculturallyresponsiveProgramisonethatseekstobefairandaccommodatingtodiversegroups.Incorporatingmulticulturalismanddiversityintopolicies,procedures,andpracticesshouldbeapriorityforPrograms.Suchanapproachtoserviceprovisionmayenhancesafetyandleadtobetteroutcomesforparentsandchildren.
Compliance measures:
1. Directors should keep on file an annual review, documented by the Program Director, of Program forms, policies, procedures, and materials for cultural responsiveness, competence, and relevance, with the following noted in writing and kept in a file on multi-Cultural efforts: date of multicultural review, any changes made to documents, and any outside (community leader or group) assistance sought and/or obtained. Copies of any memoranda of Understanding between the Program and community groups should also be kept in this file, signed and dated.
2. training: Staff must be trained in valuing multiculturalism and recognizing the role it can play in the delivery of safe, effective services. this requires periodic training of staff and volunteers in diversity and cultural competency issues. In addition, individuals need to become aware of their own cultural identities and backgrounds and examine their own unintentional biases. training issues on this topic are required and included in Principle two: training.
VI. All Programs must have a grievance procedure.
AllProgramsmustestablishagrievanceresolutionproceduretoensurethatparticipantcomplaintsareattendedtoandresolved.AcomplaintisliberallyconstruedtoincludeaconcernforanyactionoftheProgramstaff/volunteers/internsforwhichtheProgramhasdecision-makingauthority,discretion,and/orinterpretiveresponsibility.Thisproceduremustbeinwriting.Allstaff/volunteers/internsshallhavetraininginthegrievanceresolutionprocedure,andallProgramparticipantsmusthaveaccesstotheprocedure.
Compliance measure:
a written copy of the Program’s grievance procedure must be on file. Principle one requires that all participants must be made aware of the grievance procedure.
VII. All Programs must have a confidentiality policy to protect clients.
StaffandvolunteersofSupervisedVisitationorMonitoredExchangeProgramsshallprotectthedignityofallpersonsservedbytheProgrambycomplyingwiththerequirementstomaintainconfidentialitydescribedinPrincipleOne.
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VIII. All Programs must follow specific rules when offering different levels of service. [for Supervised Visitation Programs only]
AllProgramsthatofferdifferentlevelsofmonitoringservicessuchasoneononesupervision,groupsupervision,andmonitoredexchange,shallhavewrittenpoliciesthatreflectthelevelsofsupervisionandthecriteriauponwhichtheProgrambasesitsdecisionstomovefamiliesfromortomorerestrictivesettings.IfaSupervisedVisitationProgramofferssuchdifferentlevelsofmonitoring,thefollowingStandardsapply:
A. Court-referred cases:
1. WheneveracaseismovedfromSupervisedVisitationtoMonitoredExchange,itmustbethecourtthatapprovesandorderssuchachangeinlevelofservice,afterconsultationwiththeProgram.
2. Unlesstheindividualcourtordergrantsbroaderdiscretiontothecasemanagerindependencycasesaboutthelevelofmonitoring,thecourtmustmakethedeterminationastoanychangeinvisitationand/orlevelsofservice.
3. Innon-dependencycasesthatincludeallegationsofchildsexualabuse,orwherethecourthasenteredaFinalInjunctionforProtectionAgainstDomesticViolence,ortherehasbeenacriminalnocontractorderorcriminalconvictionofdomesticviolence,thecourt,inconsultationwiththeProgram,mustdecidewhetherafamilycanmovetoalessrestrictivelevelofservice.Thecourt’sdecisionissubjecttotheresourcesoftheProgram.
4.Innon-dependencycasesthatdonothaveallegationsofchildsexualabuseoradomesticviolencefinalinjunction,no-contactorderorcriminalconviction,theProgramisencouragedtoconsultwiththecustodialparentabouttheinitiallevelofsupervision(ifnotdesignatedinthecourtorder)andanysubsequentdecisionstochangethelevelofsupervision.TheProgramshouldtakeintoconsiderationthevisitingparent’scompliancewithanycourtordersconcerningcounseling,treatmentorotherinterventionbeforechangingthelevelofsupervision.IftheProgramandthecustodialparentdonotagreeonthechange,thecourtwillmakethefinaldecision.
Compliance measure:
Directors must keep written polices regarding different levels of service that comply with these Standards and dictate Program policy in areas not addressed by these Standards.
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PRINCIPLe FoUR: CommUNIty
All Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Programs shall operate within a coordinated community network of groups and agencies that seek
to address common family problems.
Introduction:SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsdonotexistinavacuum.ThefamiliesusingtheProgramsoftenhaveaconstellationofproblemswithwhichtheyneedassistance.Theseclientsmayreceiveordersandreferralstosomeservicesfromthecourts,childprotectionagencies,lawenforcementandadditionalagencies,andsupervisedvisitation.Programsmusttakecarenottoduplicateorconflictwithsuchreferrals.Thus,whenacaseisanactivedependencycourtcasewithanassignedcasemanager,itisthecasemanager’sresponsibilitytoidentifyclientneedsandarrangeforappropriateserviceinterventions.However,SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsareofteninauniquepositiontoidentifyunaddressedclientneeds.Iftheseunmetneedsareidentifiedinactivedependencycasesduringthevisitationprocess,theProgrammustmakethecasemanagerawareofthem.Inanyothercases,theSupervisedVisitationorMonitoredExchangeProgramshouldseektoaddressclientneedsbyofferingclientsmeaningful,culturallyappropriatelinkagestosocialserviceorganizationswithincommunitiesthatofferthem.
ThegoalofthissectionisnottotreatSupervisedVisitationand/orMonitoredExchangeProgramstaffascasemanagers.Rather,itistoacknowledgethattheseProgramsmaybecomeawareoffamilyproblemsthathavenotbeenpreviouslyidentifiedoraddressedbyanyagencies.BecauseSupervisedVisitationProgramshavelongerperiodsofcontactwithfamiliesthanMonitoredExchangeProgramstaff,itislikelythatVisitationProgramswillhavemoreopportunitiestoidentifygapsinservicesandfamilyneedsthanMonitoredExchangePrograms.Still,MonitoredExchangeProgramsarerequiredtomeettheminimumcompliancemeasuresinthissection,and,innonactivedependencycases,tooffertomakereferralsand/orproviderelevantinformationwheneverpossibleandappropriate.
Inadditionandwithinexistingresources,allProgramsmustofferandseekcross-trainingfromcertaincommunitygroupsandmustshowsomelevelofparticipationinagencynetworkinggroups.ThiscoordinationwillstrengthentheentirenetworkofcommunityservicesandenhancetheknowledgeofleadSupervisedVisitationstaffaboutsubstantiveissuesandcommunityagencyprotocols.Themoreknowledgeablestaffis,thesaferfamilieswillbe.
tHe StaNDaRDS
I. Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Program staff should be knowledgeable about other community agencies.
A. AlreadyexistinginmanycommunitiesinFloridaareagenciesandgroupswhichoperatetoaddressandalleviateproblemssuchasdomesticandsexualviolence,childabuse,substanceabuse,andmentalhealthissues,allofwhicharecommonissuesinSupervisedVisitationreferrals,andmayoccurinMonitoredExchangecases.Inaddition,manycommunitiesalsoofferanetworkofsocialservicesagenciestoprovideforbasicneedssuchasnutrition,housing,homefurnishings,medicalcare,literacyeducation,andjobtrainingandplacement.Theseservicesmaynotbeoffereduniformlythroughoutthestate,andthequalityofresourcesincommunitiesdifferswidely.
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B. Basedontheirexistingresources,SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsshouldidentifyandbeabletodescribetoclientsthegeneralscopeofexistingcommunitygroups.ThiswillenableProgramstocreatelinkagesforproactiveoutreachforclients,whereappropriate.Itwillalsohelptofillservicegapsandprovidetheopportunityforfamiliestoaccessappropriateservicesinnonactivedependencycases.EnvisionedinthissectionisaProgram’sabilitytoaddressclientinquiriesregardingspecificservicesandhowtoaccessthoseservicesinaculturallyrelevantmanner.Programsmusttakecaretoavoidconflictwithandduplicationofservicesmandatedbythecourtorotheragencies.
C. WhenaProgrambecomesawarethatafamilyhasaproblemthatisnotbeingaddressed,andthecaseisanactivedependencycase,theProgrammustnotifythecasemanager.Inanyothercase,theProgramshouldrespectfullyattempttoincreasethefamily’sawarenessofthecommunityoptionsavailable.Thissectionshouldnotbeconstruedasimposingnewobligationsonthefamiliesthemselves.FamiliescannotbecompelledtoacceptreferralsofferedbyVisitationProgramstaffunlesstheserviceisrequiredbythecourt.Itisnottheintentofthissectiontopenalizeanyparentforrefusingordecliningareferral.
Compliance measures:
1. all Programs must have a current listing of community resources compiled either by some other group or the Program staff. the list must include a wide variety of services commonly accessed by families involved in the court system.
2. Program directors must demonstrate that they have contacted other agencies and organizations within the last calendar year to inform them of the Supervised Visitation Program’s mission, scope, and services within the last calendar year. Programs must also keep logs or copies of written communication.
3. In order to make it clear to stakeholders what services a Program provides, each Program must have a written policy regarding the scope and nature of services offered by that program, as well as policies about case-specific information sharing and waivers/releases allowing such. all written policies must be kept on file and made available to the court and adult participants. this is also required in Principle one.
4. transparent Collaboration in Individual Cases: Pursuant to Principle one, Standard x, Programs shall have written consent of the participant to share confidential information with other agencies such as the guardian ad Litem, Certified Domestic Violence Centers, sexual assault centers, and other agencies providing services to the participant, unless the release of information is ordered by the court, required by law, or falls within an exception designated in the Program’s written policies.
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II. Program outreach and cross-training is essential.
A. Basedontheirexistingresources,allSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsmustofferoutreachandopportunitiesforcross-trainingtocommunityorganizations.Thiswillenhancetheknowledgeandskillsofthestaffofallparticipatingagencies.
B. Ataminimum,cross-trainingshouldbesoughtfromandofferedtoatleastoneofthefollowingorganizationseachcalendaryear:
1. The Local Certified Domestic Violence Center.SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramstaffandvolunteersmustunderstandtheservicesofferedbythecertifieddomesticviolencecenter,andstaffshouldbeabletoexplaintovictimsofdomesticviolencehowthecertifieddomesticviolencecenterstaffcanassistwithreductionofpost-separationviolence,offershelter,support,andadvocacy,andassistwithunderstandingjudicialprocesses.SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsshallnotprovidelegaladvocacyorjudicialhearingaccompaniment.Theymay,however,offersafetyplanninginconjunctionwiththedomesticviolencecenterandallowand/orassistvictimstocalldomesticviolencecenterstafffromtheProgram.SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsshallseekfeedbackfromcertifieddomesticviolencestaffonprogrampoliciestoenhanceclientsafety,requeston-goingtrainingincertifieddomesticviolencedynamicsfromcertifieddomesticviolencecenterstaff,andofferinter-agencymeetingstoincreaseeachorganization’sabilitytomakeknowledgeableandappropriatereferrals.Ifthecaseisanactivedependencycase,thevisitationstaffmustavoidduplicatingservicesbymakingthecasemanagerawareofanysafetyplanningengagedinwithvictims.
2. The Local Guardian ad Litem Office.AllProgramstaffmustunderstandtheservicesofferedbytheGuardianadLitemProgramandbeabletoexplaintoparentsandchildrenhowtheGALprogramoperates.Likewise,theProgramsmustoffertheGALprogrammeaningfulopportunitiesforcross-trainingsothatthestaffofeachunderstandstheother’sresponsibilitiesandfunctions.TheGuardianadLitemprogrammayrequestthatindividualguardiansobservevisits;however,theguardianmaynotparticipateinthevisitorinterviewtheparentorchildduringthevisit.ThereferringagencyorcourtmustspecifyinwritingthattheGALisentitledtoobservevisits.TheSupervisedVisitationProgramsshallcontinuetoberesponsibleformonitoringthevisitandmaynotabdicatesuchresponsibilitytotheGAL.
3. The Local Child Advocacy Center.AllProgramstaffmustunderstandtheservicesofferedbytheChildAdvocacyCenters(CAC)andbeabletoexplaintoparentsandchildrenhowtheCACprogramoperates.Likewise,theProgramsmustoffertheCACprogrammeaningfulopportunitiesforcross-trainingsothatthestaffofeachunderstandstheother’sresponsibilitiesandfunctions.TheCACmayrequestthatindividualstaffobservevisits;however,theCACstaffmaynotparticipateinthevisitorinterviewtheparentorchildduringthevisit.ThereferringagencyorcourtmustspecifyinwritingthattheCACstaffmemberisentitledtoobservevisits.TheSupervisedVisitationProgramsshallcontinuetoberesponsibleformonitoringthevisitandmaynotabdicatesuchresponsibilitytotheCAC.
4. The Local Certified Rape Crisis Program.AllProgramstaffshouldunderstandtheservicesofferedbythecertifiedrapecrisiscenter.Visitationstaffmustunderstandtheservicesofferedbythecertifiedrapecrisiscenterandbeabletoexplaintovictimsofsexualviolencehowtherapecrisiscenterstaffcanassistwithreductionoftrauma-relatedsymptoms,offercounseling,andassistwith
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understandingjudicialprocesses.SupervisedVisitationProgramsshallnotprovidelegaladvocacy,judicialhearingaccompaniment,orabusecounselingtovictimsofsexualviolenceorchildsexualabuse.Theymay,however,allowand/orassistvictimsincallingcertifiedrapecrisisstafffromtheVisitationProgram.SupervisedVisitationProgramsshallseekfeedbackfromrapecrisisprogramstaffonProgrampoliciestoenhanceclientsafetybypreventing,recognizing,andinterveninginre-victimizationthatmayoccurinSupervisedVisitationProgramsettings,andtheymustalsorespondappropriately(bycallingthechildabusehotline)todisclosuresofsexualassault/abuse,requeston-goingtraininginthedynamicsofchildsexualabuseandthelong-termconsequencesofsame,andofferinter-agencymeetingstoincreaseeachorganization’sabilitytomakeknowledgeableandappropriatereferrals.Ifthecaseisanactivedependencycase,theProgramvisitationstaffmustavoidduplicatingservicesbymakingthecasemanagerawareofanysafetyplanningengagedinwiththevictim.
5. The Child Protection Team.SomeChildProtectionTeamsareapartofthelocalChildAdvocacycenterormaybepartoftheCertifiedRapeCrisisProgram.InsomecommunitiestheCPTstandsalone.MonitoredExchangeProgramsshouldbeawareoftheservicesandresponsibilitiesofthelocalCPT.SupervisedVisitationstaffmustunderstandtheservicesofferedbytheCPT,andunderstandhowCPTstaffcanassistwithreductionoftrauma-relatedsymptomsandofferreferrals.SupervisedVisitationProgramsshallseekfeedbackfromCPTstaffonProgrampoliciestoenhanceclientsafetybypreventing,recognizing,andinterveninginchildre-victimizationthatmayoccurinsupervisedvisitationsettings,andProgramstaffmustalsofollowprotocolsfortheappropriateresponsestothechild,includingcallingtheFloridaabusehotline,requestingon-goingtraininginthedynamicsofchildabuseanditslong-termconsequences,andofferinginter-agencymeetingstoincreaseeachorganization’sabilitytomakeknowledgeableandappropriatereferrals.
6. Batterer Intervention Programs.Manycommunitiesprovidestructured,certifiedBattererInterventionProgramstohelpaddressdomesticviolenceandholdabusersaccountablefortheiractions.AllProgramsshouldbeawareoftheservicesoflocalBIPs,aswellashowreferralsaremade,reportingisaccomplished,andinformationisreleased.Forexample,ifvisitationorexchangeiscontingentoncompletionofaBIP,Programsshouldknowhowtheywillconfirmattendance,compliance,andcompletion.BIPstaffmayalsobeabletoprovideinformationtoVisitationstaffoncommonabusertacticssuchasminimizationandrationalizationandteachstaffhowtorecognizepowerandcontroldynamics.
7. Multicultural Outreach Groups.ManycommunitiesinFloridaarehometodiversepopulationsandculturallyspecificorganizationsthatprovideservicestothem.SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsshouldworkwithrepresentativesofculturallyspecificorganizations,includingfaith-basedgroups,toidentifypopulationsneedingservices,establishlinkagesforoutreachandtraining,toenhanceaccessibility,andtopromoteculturallyrelevantservicesattheVisitationProgram.Ifthecaseisanactivedependencycase,theVisitationstaffmustavoidduplicatingservicesbynotifyingthecasemanagerifthereisapotentialneedforservices.
8. Community Substance Abuse Treatment Programs.Toprovidefamilieswithgeneralinformationinordertoassisttheminaccessingaddiction,treatment,andrecoveryresources,allSupervisedVisitationProgramsshouldbeawareofnon-profitandprivatenot-for-profitclinicsofferingslidingfeesandcounseling/treatment.TheseprogramsmaybeagoodresourceforconductingtrainingforSupervisedVisitationProgramstaff,allofwhomneedtobeabletorecognizesignsandsymptoms
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ofsubstanceuseandabuseandthedynamicsofsuchabuse.Ifthecaseisanactivedependencycase,theVisitationstaffmustmakethecasemanagerawareofpossibleunmetclientneedsinthisarea.
9. Community Mental Health Treatment Programs Resources.Toprovidefamilieswithgeneralinformationregardingmentalhealthevaluationandtreatmentservices,SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsshouldbeawareofnon-profitandprivatenot-for-profitcommunitymentalhealthclinicsandtreatmentcentersofferingslidingfeesandcounseling/treatment.TheseprogramsmaybeagoodresourceforconductingtrainingforSupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangestaffwhoneedtobefamiliarwiththesigns,symptoms,anddynamicsofmentalillness.Ifthecaseisanactivedependencycase,theVisitationstaffmustmakethecasemanagerawareofpossibleunmetclientneedsinthisarea.
Compliance measure:
all Programs must keep on file administrative documentation of non-case-specific outreach to the above groups, indicating offers for training, training conducted, and meetings held and/or attended by Supervised Visitation staff. a record of at least one solicitation and offer of cross-training must be made to these groups each calendar year. (Copies of letters are sufficient.)
III. Participation in community groups is essential.
A. EachcommunityinFloridaishometodozensofothergroupswhichseektocoordinatetheirservicestomaximizeassistancetoindividualsandfamilies.Suchgroupsinanycommunitymayinclude:
DependencyCourtImprovementGroups
CommunityAllianceGroups
KeepingKidsSafe(andotherchildabuse-preventiongroups)
DomesticViolenceTaskForce/DomesticViolenceCoordinatingCommittees
FamilyJusticeCenterPartnership(DomesticViolenceVictimServiceCenter)
SexualAssaultInteragencyCouncil/SexualAssaultTeamorganizedbythecertifiedrapecrisiscenter ineachcommunity
FLAG(FamilyLawAdvisoryGroup)
DelinquencyorDependencyImprovementGroups
GroupsoftheFloridaBarorganizedtoassistproselitigants,familylawyers
HomelessCoalitions
SocialServiceAllianceGroups
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B. Basedonexistingresources,SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangestaffshouldhavemembershipinatleastoneoftheseorsimilargroupstodemonstratethattheProgramisworkingcollaborativelywithotheragenciesthatservethesameorsimilarpopulations.
Compliance measure:
a Supervised Visitation/monitored exchange Program director or other lead staff must in each calendar year affiliate with at least one other community group that serves families who are involved in the court system or who have a child custody dispute. the quality of the Program director’s collaboration will be taken into account when the Supervised Visitation Program is evaluated. Collaboration can be, at least in part, demonstrated by the presence of agency directors on the governing or advisory boards of Visitation and exchange Programs. minimum compliance with this standard requires records that confirm an awareness of the social services-related agencies and groups that exist in the community and their purpose. minimal compliance also requires a meaningful participation in community groups.
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CeRtIFICatIoN PRoCeSS FoR FLoRIDa’S SUPeRVISeD VISItatIoN
aND moNItoReD exCHaNge PRogRamS
ThegeneralframeworkandprocessesforCertificationaredescribedbelow.TheClearinghousewillrefineandmodifytheprocessinlightofexperiencewiththeassistanceofaSupervisedVisitationAdvisoryCommittee.ThefollowinggeneralparameterswillbeeffectiveassoonastheFloridaLegislatureapprovesthem.
1. The Standards provide the basis for Certification.
TheMinimumStandardsforSupervisedVisitationProgramscreatethebasisforcertificationofaSupervisedVisitationPrograminFlorida.TheStandardsprovideforflexibilityandcreativityinimplementationwhilemaintainingtheintegrityandpotencyoftheSVPmodel.MinimumStandardsaremeanttoprovideavisionfordevelopingSVPsandtostimulatetheimprovementofservices.
CertifiedSupervisedVisitationPrograms–whichfollowalloftheComplianceMeasuresineachofthefourPrinciples(safety,training,dignityanddiversity,andcommunity)–willofferthegreatestassuranceofsafety,trainedstaff,andcommunitypartnerships.
2. Programs will be required to substantially meet the terms of each Compliance Measure.
TheClearinghouserecognizesthatitishighlyunlikelythatanysingleProgramwillmeetallofthecriteriaineachcompliancemeasureinawaythatisalways100%perfect.Factorssuchassize,communityresources,accesstofunding,geography,andpopulationsizeareobviouslyconsiderationsformeetingthesecriteria.
Thesefactorsneednotstandinthewayofcertification,aslongastheProgramexhibitsacommitmenttomeetingthestandards,andsubstantiallymeetseachcompliancemeasure.AProgramwillbecertifiedwhenitisdeterminedthattheProgramhassubmittedproofthatitsubstantiallyadherestotheprinciplesandcompliancemeasurescreatedforProgramsandhasexhibitedacommitmenttomeetingeachcompliancemeasureintheStandards.NeitherFloridaStateUniversitynoranyofitsdivisionswillincuranyliabilityasaresultofactionstakenpursuanttothecertificationprocess.
3. Certification emphasizes Program pre-planning to prepare evidence of compliance.
ThecertificationprocessemphasizesaProgram’sactivepre-applicationplanningandthesubmissionofabindertotheClearinghousethatincludesevidenceofcompliancewithsuchcompliancemeasuresintheStandards.Thus,althoughthecertificationprocessincludesasitevisit,Programapplicantswillbeexpectedtodothemajorityofthecertificationprepworkinadvanceofthesitevisit.Thiswillkeepcostsassociatedwithrepeatedsitevisitslow.
TheProgramcanreceivetechnicalassistancefromtheClearinghousetosupportthemwithcompilingthebinderandaskanyquestionstheymighthaveaboutthecertificationprocess.Theseconferencesmayincludethepresenceofstakeholders,referringagencies,orotherinterestedindividualsasdeterminedbytheProgram.
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The four steps to certification are as follows:
A) The Planning, Pre-Application Phase
Inanticipationofanapplicationforcertification,aProgramshouldconductaninternalreviewtoensurethattheyhavecompliedwiththeStandards.TheProgramdirectormustbecertainthatallofthestaff,bothpaidandunpaid,areproperlytrained,andthattheProgramhasproofthatithascompliedwithboththeletterandthespiritoftheStandardsunderPrinciplesOnethroughFour.TheProgram’sinformationshouldbereadytocompileinanticipationofsendingittotheClearinghouse.TheProgram’sBoardofDirectorsorCommunityAdvisoryBoardshouldbeawareoftheProcess,andtheadministrativestaffshouldfeelthattheywillbepreparedforasitecheckandrandomadministrativefilecheckandredactedcasefilecheckaftersubmittingtheirbinder.
B) Letter of Intent
OncethedirectorisconfidentthattheProgramismeetingtheStandards,heorsheshouldwritealetterofintentinformingtheClearinghousethattheProgramintendstoapplyforcertification.TheChiefJudge,Boardmembers,andotherstakeholdersshouldbecopiedontheletter.TheLetterofIntenttriggersthefollowing:
a. TheClearinghousewillscheduleatimeframewithinwhichtheProgramcanreceivetechnicalassistancerelatedspecificallytotheindividualProgram’spracticesandpolicies,andduringwhichthecompliancebindermustbesubmitted.
b. TheProgramacknowledgesthatitwillbeabletosubstantiallycompletetheapplicationbinderingoodfaithbeforeschedulingasitevisitwiththeClearinghouse.
C) Submission of the Binder
TheBinderissubmittedbytheProgramtotheClearinghouse.ThesubmissionofthebindertriggersaClearinghousereviewoftheapplicationbinder,aseriesofphoneconferencestotrytoremedyanyminorshortcomingsofthebinder,andanobligationonthepartoftheClearinghousetoscheduleasitevisitwithinthreemonths.
ArrangingtheBinder–Thebindermustcontain:
• ThenameoftheProgram,plusitscontactinformation:address,phonenumber,website,andfaxline.
• Thenameoftheperson(andemailandphonenumber)whoismostresponsiblefortheProgram’sCertificationprocess,ifdifferentfromtheProgramDirector.
• ThenameoftheProgramdirector,andhisorheremailaddressandphonenumber.
• Ifapplicable,thenamesofanypersons,includingBoardmembersorreferringjudgeswhoareactivelyinvolvedwiththeCertificationProcessfortheindividualProgramandwhomightcontacttheClearinghouseorbecontactedforpurposesofCertificationissues.
• OrganizedwrittenproofofmeetingalloftheStandardsandCompliancemeasuresunderthefourprinciples.Thebindershouldbedividedintofourparts,oneforeachprinciple,andfurtherdividedintoseparatesectionswithintheprinciples.Ifcaseinformationisincluded,allconfidential
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andidentifyinginformationmustberedactedbeforesubmission.ThesectionsofthebinderthatdirectlyrelatetoStandardsandcompliancemeasuresmustbemarkedandreferencedclearly.
IftheProgramsubmitsasubstantiallyincompletebinder,orifthebinderiscompletebutpoorlyorganized,orifthebinderdoesnotclearlyreferencetheStandardsandcompliancemeasures,theClearinghousewillreturnittotheProgram,andnotifythePrograminwritingthattheapplicationbindercannotbeconsideredatthattime.Ifthisoccurs,theProgramhasanadditionalthreemonthstocorrecttheproblems.
TheClearinghousewillinformtheProgramofanymissinginformationorminorproblemsofthebinderandwaystomeettheStandards.ThesitevisitwillnotbeconducteduntiltheClearinghousestaffbelievethebinderisnearlycomplete.However,thesitevisitcanstillresultinadenialofcertification,asthereareStandardsregardingthesitethatcannotbeverifiedsolelythroughthebindersubmissionprocess.
D) The Site Visit
TheassessmentoftheProgramwillincludeon-sitereviewoftheProgram,andmayincludeinterviewswiththedirector,inspectionofthesiteitself,examinationofredactedfiles,andscheduledmeetingswithjudgesorcommunitystakeholders,ifnecessary.
Afterthesitevisit,theClearinghousehas30daystorenderadecisioninwritingtotheProgrambasedonthebinderandthesitevisitregardingwhetherornottheProgramwillbecertified.Thethreepossibleoutcomesare:
a. CertificationwithoutRecommendation:nofurtheractionisrequiredonthepartoftheProgram,andtheProgramiscertifiedforthreeyears.
b. CertificationwithRecommendation:theProgramiscertified,buttheClearinghousemakesspecificrecommendationsforminorimprovementsthatcanbeverifiedwithouttheuseofanadditionalsitevisit.Allimprovementsmustbemadewithinthreemonths,orcertificationwillbewithdrawn.Oncetherecommendationshavebeensatisfied,theClearinghousewillcertifytheProgramforthreeyears.
c. CertificationWithdrawnorDenied:TheProgramisdeniedcertification,andtheProgramcanelecttobegintheappealsprocess,whichtriggersadditionalresponsibilitiestotheProgramoutlinedbytheClearinghouseandrequiresanadditionalsitevisit.
4. Certification decisions are not competitive.
ProgramsdonotcompeteagainsteachothertoreceiveCertification.AnyProgramthatmeetstheComplianceMeasurescanbecomecertified.
5. An appeals process will be established by the Clearinghouse for certification denials and any withdrawals of certification.
TheClearinghouse,withtheassistanceofaStandardsAppealReviewTeamconsistingofatleastfourrepresentativesofstakeholderorganizations,willcreateaprocessbywhichprogramsmayappealawithdrawnordeniedcertification.Decisionsoftheadvisoryboardwillbefinal,withasimplemajoritydeterminingtheoutcomeoftheappeal.
TheStandardsAppealReviewTeamwillconsistofatleasttwoadministrativestaffmembersofcurrentlycertifiedProgramswhensuchexist(eithertwoDirectorsofProgramsortheirdesigneewithatleasttwo
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yearsofadministrativeresponsibilityattheProgram).Theotherthreememberscanbejudges,lawyers,staffattheDepartmentofChildrenandFamilies,formermembersoftheSupervisedVisitationStandardsCommitteeortheirdesignees,orthedesigneesofdirectorsofstateagenciesororganizationsnamedintheStandardsthemselves(forexample,theFloridaCouncilAgainstSexualViolenceortheFloridaCoalitionAgainstDomesticViolence).TheseCommitteememberswillbechosenbytheClearinghouseonSupervisedVisitation.MembersoftheReviewTeamwillnotbemembersofthecommunitythatoperateinthesamejurisdictionastheProgramwhoseapplicationhasbeendenied.
TheClearinghousehastheoptionofconveningtheCommitteetelephonicallyorinperson.
TheCommitteewillconsidertheinformationreviewedandwilldecidetheoutcome.TheCommitteecandecidebyamajorityvotetoconfirmorreversetheDenialofCertification.IftheDenialdecisionisconfirmed,theProgramhasnofurtherrecourse,excepttobegintheApplicationProcessagainafteratleastasix-monthperiodoftime.IfthedecisionistoreversetheDenial,theCommitteemayeitherreversethedecisionentirely,anddirecttheClearinghousetoCertifytheProgram,orrequirethattheProgramtakeadditionalstepstocorrectproblemsimmediately.AnyadditionalcostsincurredtoverifythesecorrectiveactionsmustbepaidbytheProgramtotheClearinghouse.Atthispoint,theProgramwillbeobligatedtopayadditionalfeesforsitevisitsandtechnicalassistance,dependingontherecommendationsoftheCommitteeandthecostsestimatedbytheClearinghouse,beforeCertificationisgranted.IftheProgramdoesnotmakechangesrequiredbytheCommittee,theProgram’sdenialofCertificationwillbeconfirmed.TheProgramhasnofurtherrecourse,excepttobegintheApplicationProcessagainafteratleastasix-monthperiodoftime.
IftheDenialreversed,theprogramisCertifiedforaperiodofthreeyears.
6. The Clearinghouse will create a process for the investigation of Third Party Claims.
Fromtimetotime,thirdpartiessuchascommunitymembers,parents,andgovernmentagenciescontacttheClearinghousestatingthataspecificProgramisnotoperatinginasatisfactorymanner.SuchmatterscancauseconcernduetothehighesteeminwhichallProgramsareheld.
TheClearinghousedoesnotcertifyProgramsaccordingtocaseoutcomesbutbaseduponorganizationalandproceduralmethodsinaccordancewiththeMinimumStandardsforSupervisedVisitationPrograms;therefore,noclaimsotherthanthosedirectlyrelatedtomattersinvolvingaProgram’scompliancewiththeseStandardswillbeinvestigatedbytheClearinghouse.AllProgramsmusthavetheirowninternalgrievanceprocedureforhandlingcase-specificgrievances.
Investigation of claimsdirectlyrelatedtotheStandardswillbeconductedpursuanttoaprocesscreatedbytheClearinghouse.
Step One:AletteroutliningtheexactnatureofthecomplaintmustbesentbythethirdpartytotheDirectoroftheClearinghouse.
Step Two:TheClearinghousewilldetermineifthecomplaintisdirectlyrelatedtocompliancewiththeStandardsforCertifiedmembers.Iffoundtobesorelated,theStandardsforCertificationCommitteewillprovidethenamedProgramwithacopyofthecomplainant’sletterandaskforawrittenresponsewithinaspecifiedtimeframe.Aspartofthisresponse,theClearinghousemayrequirespecificdocumentationtosupporttheProgram’sposition.Confidentialinformationwillonlybesharedwithintheparametersofapplicablelaw.
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Step Three:ProgramresponsewillbereviewedbytheClearinghouse.Aconferencecallinvolvingthenamedpartiesmaybedeemednecessary.IftheClearinghousefindsthattheProgramappearstobeincontinuedcompliancewithClearinghousestandards,nofurtheractionwillbetaken,andthepartieswillbenotified.IftheClearinghousefindsthattheProgramneedstomakeimprovements,theProgramwillbenotified.IfchangesaremadeinaccordancewithClearinghouserecommendations,nothingmoreneedstobedone.IftheProgramdoesnotacttobecomecompliantwiththeStandardsandmakeallchangeswithinsixmonths,theProgram’sstatuswillbere-classifiedas“CertificationWithdrawn.”TheProgramcanappealthisdecisionaccordingtothesameprocessasCertificationDenied.
7. Resources will be available to Programs.
NumerousresourcesareavailabletobothdevelopingandestablishedPrograms,includingupdatedtrainingmaterials,sampleformstohelptrackeachcompliancemeasure,trainingmanuals,onlinefamilyviolencetutorials,E-Presses,newsletters,statewidegroupphonemeetings,theInstitutewebsite,andmanyotheraccessibleresources.Programsarestronglyencouragedtoaccesstheseservicesbeforeembarkingonthecertificationprocess,andinresolvinganyissuesidentifiedduringtheprocess.Ofcourse,theseresourcesareavailableatallothertimesaswell.
TheClearinghousewishesthecertificationprocesstobecooperativeinnature.Programsworkingtowardscertificationshouldviewtheseservicesascomplementingtheprocess.Applicantsareencouragedtoaskquestionsupfrontwhilepreparingfortheprocess.
8. Applicant Programs will be guided to use local experts to help in the Certification process.
Aspreviouslymentioned,thecertificationprocessismeanttobecooperativeinnature.TheClearinghouseisavailabletoprovideguidancethroughouttheprocess.Followingaretipsforprogramsembarkingonthecertificationprocess.
• TheprocessshouldnotbeundertakensolelybytheProgramdirector.Certificationshouldbeviewedasaprojectofthestaff,referringagencies,boardofdirectorsorcommunityadvisoryboard,andcommunitystakeholders.Participationwillleadtobuy-inandownershipandwillprovideaninsightastowhytheProgram’spoliciesandproceduresarestructuredastheyare.
• BeginmeetingtheStandardswellinadvanceofyourtargetsubmissiondate.AsabusyProgramadministrator,planforunexpectedinterruptions,suchasstaffinglapses,whichcanleadtodelays.Identifymajorevents,suchasfundraisersandconferences,whichmayputlargedemandsontimeblockedforworkingonthecertification.
• Formtaskforcesorcommitteesthatareassignedtoreviewvariousportionsoftheapplication.Suchgroupscouldbefacility/organizationalissues,teamandprotocol,andprogrammatictaskforces.ThesecommitteeswouldreviewStandardsgenerallyfallingwithintheirtopicarea,conductaself-assessment,andrecommendanynecessaryadjustmentsorchanges.
• UsecasereviewasanopportunitytoreviewtheMinimumStandards.EachmonthdiscussadifferentstandardandaskteammemberstoidentifytheProgram’sstrengthsandweaknessesinthatstandard.
• Consultwithyourpeers.OtherCertifiedProgramdirectorsandteammemberswillbemorethanhappytosharetheirexperienceswiththecertificationprocessandcangivepointersonhowbesttoprepare.
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aPPeNDIx mateRIaLS
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IN tHe CIRCUIt CoURt, ____________ jUDICIaL CIRCUIt, IN aND FoR
_______________ CoUNty, FLoRIDa
CASENUMBER:___________________
DIVISION:________________________
IntheInterestof_____________________________________________
D.O.B.__________________
oRDeR FoR SUPeRVISeD VISItatIoN IN DePeNDeNCy CaSeS
PURSUANTTOFLORIDASTATUTES,theCourtherebyordersasfollows:
1.Therehavebeen(circle one)findingsorallegationsof(check one or more of the following) childabusechildneglectabandonment other:________________________________________________________.
2.Checkone:Themother____________________and/orthefather___________________and/orotheris/areherebyorderedtousetheVisitationProgramwiththefollowingminorchildren:
a. d/o/b:
b. d/o/b:
c. d/o/b:
d. d/o/b:
e. d/o/b:
3.Within______daystheChildProtectiveInvestigatorortheDependencyCaseworkerorcase/caremanagerwillprovidetothesupervisedvisitationprogramacompletedStandardProgramReferralForm.
4. ThefrequencyandlengthofthevisitswillbepursuanttoProgrampoliciesor_____________________________________________________________________subjecttotheavailabilityofprogramresources.
5. Transportation:a. DCF/Sheriff ’sDepartmentwilltransport,orarrangeforthetransportofthechild.
b. TheCommunityBasedCareagencywilltransport,orarrangeforthetransport.
c. Other:__________________________________________________________________.
6. ThePoliciesandProceduresoftheVisitationProgramareherebyincorporatedbyreferenceintothisOrderandthepartiesareorderedtocomplywithallrules,regulationsandpoliciesoftheprogram.
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7. Thechildprotectiveinvestigator,ordependencycaseworker/caremanagershallcontacttheprogramat(phone number)______________withinthreedaysofthehearingatwhichsupervisedvisitationisorderedtoscheduleanintake/orientationforthevisitingparent.Novisitationwilloccuruntilthevisitingparent(s)havecompletedanintake/orientation.
8. Theprogrammaydeclinetoacceptacase,andmaysuspendorterminateanopencase,forthefollowingreasons:
a. Thecasewillplaceorplacesanunduedemandontheprogram’sresources; b. Oneorbothoftheparentshavefailedtocomplywiththevisitationagreement,thedirectivesofthe
visitsupervisor,ortheCourt’sOrder; c. Safetyissuescannotbeeffectivelyaddressedbytheprogram.
9.WrittennotificationshallbeprovidedtotheCourtandtothecaseworker/casemanagerifanycaseisdeclined,suspended,orterminated.
10.Thenon-custodialparentshallnotremovethechild(ren)fromthepremisesoftheSupervisedVisitationProgramwithoutprogram/courtauthorizationfromthesupervisedvisitationprogram.Shouldthenon-custodialparent(oranotherpersonactingonhisbehalf )doso,lawenforcementauthoritiesincluding,butnotlimitedtothe[localpoliceandsheriff ’soffice],areherebydirectedandauthorizedtouseallreasonablemeansnecessarytoreturnthechild(ren)totheCustodianofRecord.
11.Specialconsiderations:_________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
12.SupervisedVisitationProgramReportswillbeprovidedtotheCourt/Casemanager(circle one)everysix monthsorasfollows:__________________________________________________________________.
DoNe aND oRDeReD at______________________________________Floridaonthe dayof________________________________________,20_______.
CIRCUIt jUDge
Copiesto:
Program
Petitioner
Respondent
ByorderofthisCourt,pursuantto§§39.0132(4)(a),39.0139(4)&(5),and39.814(4),thisorderonSupervised
Visitationmaybeprovidedonlytothepartiestothecaseandtothevisitationcenteratwhichthecourtorderedvisi-
tationistooccur.Furtherdisseminationisprohibited.
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IN tHe CIRCUIt CoURt, __________ jUDICIaL CIRCUIt, IN aND FoR
__________ CoUNty, FLoRIDa
CASENUMBER:_______________
DIVISION:____________________
PETITIONERNAME___________________________________________Petitioner,
-and-
RESPONDENTNAME__________________________________________Respondent.
oRDeR FoR SUPeRVISeD VISItatIoN(Non-dependencycases)
PURSUANTTOFLORIDASTATUTES,theCourtherebyordersasfollows:
1.BothpartiesareorderedtocomplywiththisCourtOrder.
(Check one)ThepetitionerorrespondentorotherisherebyorderedtousetheVisitationProgramtohavecontactwiththefollowingminorchildren:
a. d/o/b:
b. d/o/b:
c. d/o/b:
d. d/o/b:
2.Check One:
Visitationisstrictlylimitedtotheminorchildrenandthevisitingparent.
Visitationisbetweentheminorchildren,thevisitingparent,andvisitorsauthorizedbythecourtand/ortheprogram,pursuanttospecificprogrampoliciesregardingsafetyandaccountability.
VisitationisinaccordancewiththeLimitationsonVisitationsetforthintheattachedFinalJudgmentofInjunction.
3.Frequencyofvisits:Visitsshallbeheldaccordingtoprogrampolicy,ordescribedbelow:
___________________________________________________________________________________.
4.Everyvisitationprogramhasuniquepolicieswithregardtocosts.Thecostsofthesupervisedvisitationpro-gramwillbeallocatedasfollows:
___________________________________________________________________________________.
5.FailuretopaymayresultintheCourtissuingajudgmentagainsttheresponsibleparty,suspensionofvisitationorsuchothersanctionsasmaybeappropriate,includingContemptofCourt.
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6. ThePoliciesandProceduresoftheVisitationProgramareherebyincorporatedbyreferenceintothisOrderandthepartiesareorderedtocomplywithallrules,regulations,andpoliciesoftheprogram.
7. Thepartiesshallcontacttheprogramat(phone number)__________toscheduleanintake/orientation.Novisitationwilloccuruntilthepartieshavecompletedanintake/orientation.
8. Thisorderwillbeautomaticallyrescinded30daysafteritsissuedateifitisnotacteduponbythevisitingpartyunlessotherwisenotedhere:________________________________________________________.
9. Theprogrammaydeclinetoacceptacase,andmaysuspendorterminateanopencase,forthefollowingreasons:
a. Thecasewillplaceorplacesanunduedemandontheprogram’sresources;
b. Oneorbothoftheclientshavefailedtocomplywiththevisitationagreement,thedirectivesofthevisitsupervisor,ortheCourt’sOrder;
c. Safetyissuescannotbeeffectivelyaddressedbytheprogram.
10.WrittennotificationshallbeprovidedtotheCourtifanycaseisdeclined,suspended,orterminated.
11.CaseReview:Thiscaseshallbereviewedinsixmonthsoruponmotionofeitherpartyorprogramstaff.
12.Thevisitingparentshallnotremovethechild(ren)fromthepremisesofthesupervisedvisitationprogramwithoutthecourt/program’sauthorization.Shouldtheparent(oranotherpersonactingonhisbehalf )doso,lawenforcementauthoritiesincluding,butnotlimitedtothe[localpoliceandsheriff ’soffice],areherebydirectedandauthorizedtouseallreasonablemeansnecessarytoreturnthechild(ren)totheCustodianofRecord.
13.Otheractivecasesexistinvolvingthesepartiesandchildren,including:
___________________________________________________________________________________.
14.Other:(forexample,levelofsupervision,provisionsmakingvisitationcontingentonparticipationintreat-mentorcounseling,conditionsprecedenttovisitation,video-taping/recordingofvisits,etc)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
15.ReportstotheCourt:TheSupervisedVisitationProgramshallsubmitReportstotheCourtasfollows
a.everythreemonths
b. everysixmonths
c. asfollows___________________________________________________________________.
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16.ReportstotheCourtshallcontain:
a. summaryinformation(visitlog,interventionsummaries,andcriticalincidentreportsonly)
b. detailedvisitinformation(summariesandspecificdescriptionsofparent-childinteraction)
c. other___________________________________________.
DoNe aND oRDeReDat______________________________________Floridaonthe dayof_____________________________________,200_______.
CIRCUIt jUDgeCopiesto:
Program
Petitioner
Respondent
Other
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SUPeRVISeD VISItatIoN StaNDaRD DePeNDeNCy ReFeRRaL FoRm
Notes:
1. Avisitcannotbehelduntilthisformiscompleted.
2. IftheCBCagencyrefersthecase,aCourtOrderforSupervisedVisitationmustalsobeprovided.
3.DCFortheProgramscandecidetocompletethisforminavarietyofways,includingbutnotlimitedtoduringtelephoniccommunicationwiththechildprotectiveinvestigatororthedependencecare/casemanager.
DateReferralReceivedBySVProgram:____________________________________________________
REFERRINGAGENCY(S)/DEPARTMENT
DCF/otherchildprotectionAgencyinvolvement?(contact name and phone number)
___________________________________________________________________________________
LocalCBC(contact name and phone number)
__________________________________________________________________________________
Other(listhere:___________________________________)(contact name and phone number)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Transporter:_______________________________________________ Phone#:________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________________________
UnitSupervisor(if applicable):_________________________________ Phone#:________________
ChildAdvocacyCenter(if applicable):___________________________ Phone#:________________
GAL(if applicable):__________________________________________ Phone#:________________
Judge(if applicable):_________________________________________ Phone#:________________
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Children:
Name SSN# DOB M/F Race Caregiver/phone#
Dateoffirstvisit:_______________________________Lengthofvisit:__________________________
Frequency:WeeklyBi-WeeklyBi-MonthlyMonthly
VISITATIONISBETWEEN
Child(ren)andNameofvisitingparty
CONTACTS/PARTIES(if applicable)
MOTHER(name):____________________________________ SS#:_________________________
Address:_____________________________________________ Phone#:_____________________
D/O/B:_______________Other:______________________________________________________
Attorney(name):_______________________________________ Phone#:______________________
Address:______________________________________________
FATHER(name):______________________________________ SS#:_________________________
Address:______________________________________________Phone#:______________________
D/O/B:________________Other:_______________________________________________________
Attorney(name):______________________________________ Phone#:______________________
Address:______________________________________________
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To be completed by DCF/CBC; can be completed in conjunction with SV program staff:
1. Whoelseisallowedtovisitthechild(ren)?Isanyoneprohibitedfromseeingthechildrenwithorwithoutano-contactorder?
2. Additionalnotesinvolvingtransportationforthechild(ren)toandfromthevisitation?
3. Howmanyvisitsdoyouanticipate?
4. Whywerethechildrenremoved?Howlonghavetheybeenintheircurrentplacement?
5. Whoistheallegedperpetratoroftheabuse?Whataretheabuseallegations?Arethereanysexualabuseallegations?
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6. Whatisthemainpurposeofthevisitation(s)?
7. Arethereanytopicsthatshouldnotbediscussed?
8. Doeseitherparenthaveanyphysicalormentalhealthissues?
9. Doeseitherparenthaveanysubstanceabuseorviolenceissuesthatmaybeofconcern?
10.Doeseitherparenthaveanycriminalissuesthatmaybeofconcern?
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11.Doesthechild(ren)haveanyspecialphysicalormentalhealthissuesthatmaybeofconcern?
12.Arethereanycultural,ethnic,orreligiousconsiderationsthatwillhelpstaffbetterprepareforvisits?
13.Arethereanysecurityconcernsoradditionalcommentsthatshouldbenoted?
Reminders:
1. Priortothefirstvisit,pleaseremindthevisitingpartythathe/sheisrequiredtoattendanIntakesessionwithstaffpriortothevisit.AphotoIDisrequiredatthisIntake.
2. Pleaseinstructthepartytransportingthechildtoarrivepromptlyatthescheduledappointment(notbeforeorlater).
3.ObtainCustodyOrderfromDCF/CBC.
Pursuantto§§39.0132(4)(a),39.0139(4)&(5),and39.814(4),thisreferralforSupervisedVisitationmaybeprovidedonlytothepartiestothecaseandtothevisitationcenteratwhichthecourtorderedvisi-tationistooccur.Furtherdisseminationisprohibited.
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minimum elements of an agreement with Participants at Florida’s Supervised Visitation Programs
Regardlessofthesourceofreferral,allparticipantsinalltypesofcasesmustsignanddateanAgreementwiththeVisitationProgrampriortothefirstvisit.EachAgreementmustincludeatleastthefollowingelements,butcanincludeothersatthediscretionoftheProgram:
I. GeneralProgramusageinformation,including
Theprimarypurposeofthevisitcenter
Hoursofoperationoftheprogram,holidays
AHoldharmlessclause
Prohibitionsonfirearmsandweaponsofanykind
Buildingaccessinformation-arrivalanddeparturetime
Namesofallparticipantswhoareauthorizedtovisit
Specificsecurityprotocolsandconditionsoftheprogram,includingseparationoftheparties,
Supervisionmethod/level
Informationregardingrecordsaccess
Feeandfineinformation
Processofforms,reports&courtcorrespondence
Schedulingandcancellingvisits,includingtheprogram’sdiscretiontocancelanyvisit
Medicationanddietaryrestrictioninformation(policiesforadministeringmedication)
II.OverallunderstandingandagreementwithProgramrules:TheAgreementmustalsoincludeaprovisionthattheparticipantshavereviewedandunderstandtheprogram’svisitationrulesandwillabidebythem.
III.Specificadditionalrules:TheAgreementmustalsocontainremindersofcommonlyrelevantissues,includingatleast:
Forthevisitor:
policiesregardingsuspicionofdrugoralcoholusepriortoorduringvisit
policiesregardingkeepingthechild’spersonalinformationconfidential(whereliving,phonenumberetc.,)
policiesregardingsexualabuseallegationcases
restrictionsrelatedtophysicalspacewherevisitoccurs
policiesregardingsmoking,pets,cellphones,andcameras
policiesongifts
asectionforspecialconditions
Forboththevisitorandthecustodian:
policiesdesignedtokeepvisual,auditory,andphysicalseparationoftheparents
policiesregardingfood
policiesregardingcorporalpunishment
policiesaboutspeakingforeignlanguages
policiesaboutanytopicsorremarksthatshouldnotbediscussedinthepresenceofthechild
asectionforspecialconditions
signatureanddateofvisitor,custodian,andofcenterrepresentative
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a. INtake eLemeNtS FoR DePeNDeNCy CaSeS
Referring Department/Agency Information• DatereferralreceivedbySVProgram*• Name,addressandphonenumberofreferringagency*• Nameandphonenumber(s)ofreferringchildprotectiveinvestigatorand/orreferringdependencycase
manager*
Child Information (complete for each child)• Name*• Socialsecuritynumber*• Dateofbirth*• Gender*• Race*• Whataretheabuseallegations?Arethereanysexualabuseallegations?*• Whoistheallegedperpetratoroftheabuse?*• Priorremovaland/orout-of-homeexperiences(ifany)• Currentlivingsituationorplacementtype(oneparent,relative,non-relative,fosterhome),andlengthof
timeinthatsetting• Currentcaregivernameandphonenumbers(home,work,mobile)• Doesthechild(ren)haveanyphysicalchallenges,developmentaldelays,areasofconcern,medications,or
specialneedsthatmayaffectvisits?*• Doesthechild(ren)haveanyemotionalormentalhealthissuesthatmayaffectvisits?*• Whatisthegradelevelofthechild(ren)?Arethereanyschoolproblemsorschool-relatedbehavioralcon-
cerns?• Isthechild(ren)currentlyinvolvedwithatherapistorinatherapeuticprogram?• Doesthechild(ren)haveanygangaffiliation,criminalactivity,and/orJuvenileJustice(DJJ)involvement?
Identification and Contact Data for Visiting Parent(s), and/or Other (Permitted) Visitors• Name*• Dateofbirth*• Socialsecuritynumber*• Relationshiptochild• Addressandphonenumbers(home,work,mobile)ofeachparent*• Addressandphonenumbers(home,work,mobile)ofeveryother(allowed)visitor,ifany
Visitation Information• Dateofeachparent’slastvisitwithchildren• Dateoffirstsupervisedvisitation• Visitationschedule(weekly,monthly,other)andduration(e.g.,90minutes,etc.)
Visiting Parent/Other Visitor Status• Maritalstatusofparents• Whatiseachparent’srelationshipwiththeother?• Howdoeseachparentdescribehis/herrelationshipwiththechild(ren)?• Familialandemotionalrelationshipbetweenallegedabuser(s)andchild(ren)
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• Currentstatusofeachparent’sinvolvementwiththeallegedabuserandchild(ren)• Ifout-of-homecare,whatiseachparent’srelationshipwiththesubstitutecaregiver(relative,non-relative,
orfosterparent)?• Isanyoneelsecourtorderedtovisitthechild(ren)?*Ifso,identifybynameandrelationshiptochild(ren)• Isanyoneprohibitedfromvisitingwiththechild(ren),eitherwithorwithoutano-contactorder?*Ifso,
identifybynameandrelationshiptochild(ren)• Arethereanytopicsthatshouldnotbediscussedwiththechild,orinthechild’spresence?Ifso,identify.*
Intake Questions• Arethereanycriminalissuesorsecurityconcernsthatshouldbenoted?*• Isthereahistoryof,orarethereanycurrentallegationsofdomesticviolence?*ConducttheDangerAs-
sessmentscreeningfordomesticviolencerequiredbytheseStandards(pleaserefertoSectionIV).• Doeseitherparenthaveanysubstanceabuseissuesthatcouldaffectvisits?*• Doeseitherparenthaveanyphysicalormentalhealthissues,oranyspecialneedsthatcouldaffectvisits
andthatSVprogramstaffwouldneedtobeawareofpriortovisits?*• Arethereanyparentalemployment(workhours)orotherconsiderationsneededwhenschedulingvisits?• Doeseachparenthaveaccesstoorneedinformationaboutavailablecommunityresources?Ifneeded,what
informationwasprovided?• Ifprogramoffersparentingmodeling/education,wouldeitherparentlikesomehelpwithparentingskills
and/ordisciplinetechniques?
*These issues may have already been addressed on the Referral, however, additional information may be obtained by Program staff at the time of Intake.
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B. INtake eLemeNtS FoR NoN-DePeNDeNCy CaSeS
Referring Department/Agency Information• DatereferralreceivedbySVProgram• GuardianAdLitem:Nameandphonenumber• Judge:Name,casenumberanddivision
Child Information (complete for each child)• Name• Socialsecuritynumber• Dateofbirth• Gender• Race• Currentlivingsituationorplacementtype• Caregivernameandphonenumber
Identification and Contact Data for Parties: Custodian, Visitor, and/or Other • Name• Socialsecuritynumber• Address• Phonenumber• Dateofbirth• Attorney:Name,phonenumberandaddress
Visitation Information• Dateoffirstvisit• Visitationschedule(weekly,monthly,other)• Dateoflastvisitwithchildren• Namesofchildrenandvisitingparty
Intake Questions• Whoelseiscourtorderedtovisitthechild(ren)?• Additionalnotesinvolvingtransportationforthechild(ren)toandfromthevisitation?• Howmanyvisitsdoyouanticipate?• Isabusealleged?Whoistheallegedperpetratoroftheabuse?Whataretheabuseallegations?Arethereany
sexualabuseallegations?• Istheredomesticviolencealleged?ConducttheDangerAssessmentscreeningfordomesticviolencere-
quiredbytheseStandards(pleaserefertoSectionIV).• Howdoeseachparentdescribehis/herrelationshipwiththechild(ren)?• Whatiseachparent’srelationshipwiththeother?• Whatisthemainpurposeofthevisitation(s)?• Arethereanytopicsthatshouldnotbediscussedwiththechild,orinthechild’spresence?Ifso,identify.• Doeseitherparenthaveanyphysicalormentalhealthissues,oranyspecialneedsthatcouldaffectvisits
andthatSVprogramstaffwouldneedtobeawareofpriortovisits?• Doeseitherparenthaveanysubstanceabuseissuesthatcouldaffectvisits?• Arethereanysecurityconcernsoradditionalcommentsthatshouldbenoted?
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• Doesthechild(ren)haveanyemotionalormentalhealthissuesthatmaybeofconcernorthatmayaffectvisits?
• Doesthechild(ren)haveanyphysicalchallenges,developmentaldelays,areasofconcern,medications,orspecialneedsthatmayaffectvisits?
• Whatisthegradelevelofthechild(ren)?Arethereanyschoolproblemsorschoolrelatedbehavioralcon-cerns?
• Isthechild(ren)currentlyinvolvedwithatherapistorinatherapeuticprogram?• Doesthechild(ren)haveanygangaffiliation,criminalactivity,and/orJuvenileJustice(DJJ)involvement?• Arethereanyparentalemployment(workhours)orotherconsiderationsneededwhenschedulingvisits?• Doeseachparenthaveaccesstoorneedinformationaboutavailablecommunityresources?
Reminders• Priortothefirstvisit,remindthevisitingpartythathe/sheisrequiredtoattendanIntakesessionwithstaff
priortothevisit.AphotoIDisrequiredatthisIntake.• Instructthepartytransportingthechildtoarrivepromptlyatthescheduledappointment(notearlieror
later).
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LISt oF FLoRIDa SUPeRVISeD VISItatIoN PRogRamS
First Judicial Circuit
FriedaFlowers,SupervisorErinLewis
HeatherDeGraafChildren’sHomeSocietyofFloridaFamilyVisitationCenter
P.O.Box19136Pensacola,FL32501
850-266-2743Fax:[email protected]
SharonRogers,ProgramDirectorJudgeBenGordon,Jr.
FamilyVisitationCenterPOBox436Shalimar,FL32579
850-609-1850Fax:[email protected]
SharonRogers,ProgramDirectorJudgeKeithBraceFamilyVisitationCenter
5998thAvenue,Crestview,FL850-689-0066Fax850-689-0066
SharonRogers,ProgramDirectorFriendsoftheFamilyVisitationCenter
986S.USHighway331DefuniakSprings,FL32433
850-951-0177Fax:[email protected]
First Judicial Circuit – Program in Progress
SantaRosaCountyTherapeuticVisitationCenterContactPattyBabcockatbabcockssc@aol.com
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Second Judicial Circuit
JamieCarson,MSWUtilizationManager/VisitationCoordinator
DISCVillage,Inc.3333WestPensacolaStreet,Suite310
Tallahassee,FL32304850.575.4388ext..336
Third Judicial Circuit
SueDriscoll,ProgramSupervisorFamilyVisitationCenteroftheSuwanneeValley
620SWArlingtonBlvd.LakeCity,FL32025
386/758-0591Fax386/[email protected]
Fourth Judicial Circuit
JosephNullet,ExecutiveDirectorTheFamilyNurturingCenterofFlorida,Inc.
1221KingSt.Jacksonville,FL32204
904-389-4244Fax:[email protected]
JosephNullet,ExecutiveDirectorFamilyNurturingCenterofFlorida
(fordependencyservicesonly)1740KingsleyAve.
OrangePark,FL32073904-637-0058
LeslieAllen,DirectorChildGuidanceCenter
1100CeseryBlvd.,Ste.100Jacksonville,FL32211
904-755-6013904.924.1550ext.16(office)
904.745.3086(fax)[email protected]
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Fifth Judicial Circuit
SueDriscoll,ProgramSupervisorFamilyVisitationCenterofOcala
216NESanchezAvenueOcala,FL34470
352/840-5729Fax352/[email protected]
DottiWoodworth,DirectorCitrusCountyFamilyVisitationCenter,Inc.
POBox1184Inverness,FL34451
352-637-3154Fax:[email protected]
JerryChildress,CenterManagerFamilyVisitationCenterofHernandoCounty
275OakStreetBrooksville,FL34601
352-796-7024Fax:[email protected]
DianePisczek,DirectorLillieVaughn,Coordinator
LakeSumterChildren’sAdvocacyCenter300S.CanalStreetLeesburg,FL34748
MariClaiborneEffectiveResolutions
8433SouthFloridaAvenueFloralCity,FL34436Citrus:352.726.0463Sumter:352.568.1846
Hernando:352.796.7434Fax(all):352.799.3793
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Sixth Judicial Circuit
KrisNowland,DirectorTheVisitationCenterofCASA
P.O.Box414St.Petersburg,FL33731
727/897-9204Fax:727/[email protected]
DianaHerring,CoordinatorChildren’sHomeSocietyFamilyVisitationCtr.
273113thAve.N.St.Petersburg,FL33713
727-552-1487(ext.1)Fax:[email protected]
TinaWhite,DirectorFamilyPartnershipVisitationProgram
6825TroubleCreekRd.NewPortRichey,FL34653
727-234-7795Fax:[email protected]
Seventh Judicial Circuit
EricLosciale,DirectorTheFamilyTreeHouseVisitationCenter
525S.RidgewoodAveDaytonaBeach,FL32114
386-323-2550Fax:[email protected]
EricLosciale,CoordinatorDelandSupervisedVisitationCenter
247WestVoorhisAve.DeLand,FL32720
386-740-3839(ext.226)Fax:[email protected]
JeanneKrider,ExecutiveDirectorJackieSewell,CaseManager
KidsBridge238SanMarcoDr.
St.Augustine,FL32084904-824-8810Fax:904-824-8210
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DebbieYost,LCSWTheFrontPorchCounselingCenter
83NewBritainAve.OrmondBeach,FL32174
(386)[email protected]
StephanieMorrowFamilyResourceConnection
304KingsleyLakeDriveSuite602
St.Augustine,FL32092904-824-0050Fax904-824-0049
Eighth Judicial Circuit
SueDriscoll,ProgramSupervisorFamilyVisitationCenterofAlachuaCounty
1409NW36thPlaceGainesville,FL32605
352/334-0880Fax352/[email protected]
LaurieWhite,DirectorBerniceCabral
FamilyConnectionCenterofNortheastFloridaP.O.Box1645
GlenSt.Mary,FL32040904-434-2174904-259-8953
[email protected]@windstream.net
Ninth Judicial Circuit
EuniceKeitt,DirectorTheFamilySupportandVisitationCenter
118PasadenaPlaceOrlando,FL32803
BillBazarewski,LMHC,Director
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Asst:MichelleEdwardsChoices-ChangesCounselingCenter
2298W.AirportBlvd.Sanford,FL32771
407-268-4441Fax:[email protected],ProgramDirectorFamilyTiesVisitationCenter
425N.OrangeAve.,Room#330Orlando,FL32801
407-836-0426Fax:[email protected]
JackieDalton,DirectorTheChildren’sVisitationCenterforFamilieswithDomesticViolence
2CourthouseSquare,Ste#3100Kissimmee,FL34741
407-742-2467Fax:[email protected]
KimCorcoran,DirectorAttn:VisitationCenter
OsceolaFamilyVisitation2653MichiganAvenueKissimmee,FL34744
407-846-5077Fax:[email protected]
IvetteMartinez,Director(IntakeCoordinator)AmericanTherapeuticCorporation4790NorthOrangeBlossomTrail
Orlando,FL32810407/298-0461Fax:407-298-8016
ReneeCherowitz,DirectorofServicesDr.DeborahDay
PsychologicalAffiliates,Inc.PartnerswithFamilies
2737W.FairbanksAve.WinterPark,FL32789
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Tenth Judicial Circuit
DebbieStuart,DirectorCHSFamilyConnections
1010RoseStreetLakeland,FL33803
863-640-3528Fax:863-413-3126
Eleventh Judicial Circuit
RobBeneckson,DirectorCHS
800NW15thStreetMiami,FL33136
305-755-6574Fax:[email protected]
LindaFieldstone,SupervisorLauraEscobar
FamilyCourtServices175NWFirstAvenue,15thFloor
Miami,FL33128305-349-5508Fax:305-349-5634
[email protected]@jud11.flcourts.org
VanjaAbreu,DirectorAmericanTherapeuticCorporation
1801NE2ndAvenueMiami,FL33132
305-371-5777Fax:[email protected]
KayDawson,MS,MFT
ProgramDirectorCathedralHouse,Inc.
17405S.DixieHighwayMiami,FL33157
305-278-2683Fax:305-278-2692cathedralhouse@bellsouth.netwww.cathedralhousemiami.org
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BettinaLozziToscanoProgramDirectorKidsHopeUnited
10720CaribbeanBlvd.,Ste.330CutlerBay,FL33189
786.573.9000Fax:[email protected]
GermanAlfaro,DirectorAmericanTherapeuticCorporation
27112SouthDixieHwy.Naranja,FL33032
305.245.5341Fax:[email protected]
Eleventh Judicial Circuit – Programs in Progress
JoAnnMiniea8750SW132StreetMiami,FL33176
305-251-3464Fax:[email protected]
ChristineJeanClinicalDirector
FamilyResourceCenterofSouthFlorida155SouthMiamiAvenueSuite500
Miami,FL33130305/960-5575
Fax:305/374-6112
Twelfth Judicial Circuit
PamelaGersbach,CoordinatorSupervisedVisitationProgram
FamilyResources,Inc.361SixthAvenueWestBradenton,FL34205
941-708-5893Fax:[email protected]
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CarrollLeis,ProgramDirectorTheChildren&FamiliesSupervisedVisitationProgram
2210S.TamiamiTr.,Ste.AVenice,FL34293
941-492-6491Fax:[email protected]
Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
TrishWaterman,DirectorChildren’sJusticeCenter’sSupervisedVisitationProgram
700EastTwigsStreet,Suite102Tampa,FL33602
813-272-7179Fax:[email protected]
MichelleLee-Gilyard,ProgramDirectorHillsboroughKids,Inc.
c/oChildAbuseCouncil4520OakFairBlvdTampa,FL33610
813-765-1595or471-0006Fax:813-471-0007
FarrukhQuraishi,ProgramDirectorKidsFirstVisitationServices
3413W.FletcherAveTampa,FL33618
Fourteenth Judicial Circuit
CindyLee,CommunityResourceDirectorTriCountyCommunityCouncil
Note:FourprogramsservingJackson,Holmes,Washington,Calhouncounties.P.O.Box1210
Bonifay,FL32425850-547-3688Fax:850-547-1010
GingerHutchison&ValerieWilson,DirectorsHelpingHandsVisitationProgram
7606OldBicycleRoadPanamaCity,FL32404
850-871-9006Cell:850-866-0971
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DorianLebeau,ProgramDirectorStephanieGiles,ProgramSupervisor
RestorationSupervisedVisitationProgram310East11thSt.
PanamaCity,FL32401850-215-5683/Fax:850-522-0096
[email protected],M.A.,L.M.H.C.
ComponentDirector,VisitationProgramLifeManagementCenter
525East15thStreetChildren’sService,Bldg.A
PanamaCity,FL32405850-522-4485x1424
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
MariaGiuliano,DirectorFamilyConnectionProgram205N.DixieHwy.5thFloorWestPalmBeach.FL33401
561-355-3200Fax:[email protected]
EugeniaDavis,DirectorAmericanTherapeuticCorporation
717EastPalmettoParkRoadBocaRaton,FL33432
561-361-8427Fax:561-447-9614www.americantherapeuticcorp.com
Sixteenth Judicial Circuit
WendySilaghi,Community-BasedCareManagerWesleyHouseFamilyServices
3114FlaglerAve.KeyWest,FL33040
DianaParson,SupervisedVisitationCoordinatorWesleyHouseFamilyServices
175WrennStreetTavernier,FL33070
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NarcelineClairjuste,SupervisedVisitation&TransportCoordinatorWesleyHouseFamilyServices
3114FlaglerAve.KeyWest,FL33040
305-293-0850305.304.0047(cell)
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
MiriamFilp-JimenezOurHouse
408NE4thStreetFt.Lauderdale,FL33301
954-765-4159Fax:[email protected]
AngelaColey,DirectorAmericanTherapeuticCorporation1001WestCommercialBoulevard
Ft.Lauderdale,FL33309954.938.0919Fax:954-938-6804
KennethKramer,PA200SE6thStreet
Suite604FortLauderdale,FL33301
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit
CindyMitchell,DirectorTheSalvationArmyN.CentralBrevardCountyDVProgram
POBox940,Cocoa,FL32923321-631-2766(ext.22)[email protected]
IdaRivera,DirectorFamilyFocus,SalvationArmy
1610WestAirportBlvd.Sanford,FL32773
407-323-6848(ext.225)Fax:[email protected]
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ReneeCherowitz,DirectorofServicesDr.DeborahDay
PsychologicalAffiliates,Inc.PartnerswithFamilies
2737W.FairbanksAve.WinterPark,FL32789
Note:Servesboththe9thand18thCircuits
DanaGiblock,ProgramManagerKidspeaceSupervisedVisitationProgram
711BallardStreetAltamonteSprings,FL32701
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit - Program in Progress
BrienneRobertson(ParkAvenueBaptistChurch)[email protected]
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit
JeneneD.McFadden,ProgramManagerNicoleRentmeester,SiteSupervisor
DougBorrie,Ph.D.,AssistantExecutiveDirectorValuedVisits-ExchangeClubCASTLE
800N.VirginiaAve.,Ste.34&35Ft.Pierce,FL34982
772-461-0863Fax:[email protected]
[email protected]@exchangecastle.org
Otherofficelocations:1275OldDixieHwyVeroBeach,FL34960
3824SEDixieHwyStuart,FL34997
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Nineteenth Judicial Circuit - Program in Progress
ElizabethMaxwellMaxwell&Maxwell,P.A.
OkeechobeeVisitationCenter405NWThirdStreet
Okeechobee,FL34972(863)763-1119Fax:(863)763-1179
Twentieth Judicial Circuit
GailTunnock,ProgramDirectorFamilySafetyProgram
Children’sAdvocacyCenterofCollierCounty10366thAve.North
Naples,FL34102239-263-8383,ext.23Fax:239-263-7931
TomDesio,DirectorShellieBrady,ChildWelfareCaseManagerSupervisor
LutheranServicesFlorida4950FordStreetExtension
Ft.Myers,FL33916239-461-7645FAX:239-461-7695
[email protected]@childnetswfl.org
DarylGarner,DirectorCharlotteCountySupervisedVisitationCenter
TheBillReillyCenter3440DepewCr.
PortCharlotte,FL33952941-255-0677Fax:[email protected]
LindaBluhm,ProgramDirectorChildren’sHomeSociety,FamilyConnectionCenter
1940MaravillaAveFortMyers,FL33901
239-334-0222Fax:[email protected]
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ArvellaClareSourceofLightandHopeVisitationCenter
3901Dr.MLKJr.Blvd.Ft.Myers,FL33902
Twentieth Judicial Circuit - Programs In Progress
SandraPavelka,Ph.D.Director,InstituteforYouthandJusticeStudiesAssociateProfessor,DivisionofPublicAffairs
FloridaGulfCoastUniversityCollegeofProfessionalStudies
10501FGCUBlvd.SouthFt.Myers,FL33965-6565
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oPtIoNaL ComPLIaNCe FoRmS
Thefollowingaresampleoptionalforms
developedbytheClearinghousetoassistProgram
Directorswithachievingcompliancewiththenew
Standards.TheClearinghousehasoveradozen
sampleformsonitswebsite.Programsmaychoose
tousetheseforms,ortheymaycreatetheirownto
trackcompliancewiththeStandards.
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Sample Law enforcement agreement
Inordertoenhancecommunitysafety,the________________________________Programand_________
_______________Police/Sheriff ’sDepartmententerintothisAgreementonthis___dayof________,2008.
Programagreestothefollowing:
1. ToassistrepresentativesofDepartmentinunderstandingthemission,goalsandservicesofProgram;2. TokeeptheDepartmentapprisedofhoursanddaysofoperationandnamesofkeystaff;3. TodraftprotocolsforperiodiccommunicationbetweentheDepartmentandtheProgram;4. ToprovidecopiesofadministrativeproceduresandpoliciestoDepartment,andappriseDepartment
ofchangesinatimelymanner;5. ToworkwiththeDepartmenttodesignamethodofreducingtheimpactthatanyarrestsmadeon
sitewillhaveonparticipants.
PoliceDepartmentagreestothefollowing:
1. TodesignatearepresentativeofDepartmenttoserveonProgram’scommunityadvisoryboard;2. ToconductanevaluationoftheProgram’sofficesinordertomakerecommendationsonenhancing
sitesafety;3. ToreviewProgram’spoliciesandproceduresandmakerecommendationsforenhancingclientsafety;4. Toconductlocalandstatebackgroundchecksondefendantsreferredindomesticviolencecases;5. TocontacttheProgramwheneverAgencyhasoutstandingwarrantsforarrestonanypersonusing
theprogram;6. Torefrainwheneverpossiblefromarrestinganyparentinthepresenceofhisorherchildorother
programparticipants;7. Tolessentheimpactofanyemergencyarrestsmadeonsitebywaitinguntilthevisitisoverandthe
parenthasleftthebuilding;8. Tomakeanyemergencyarrestsoutofthepresenceofprogramparticipantswheneverpossible.
_________________________________________ ____________________ProgramDirectorSignature Date
__________________________________________ ____________________ChiefofPolice/SheriffSignature Date
ThisisasampleoptionalformdevelopedbytheClearinghousetoassistProgramDirectorswithachievingcompliancewiththenewStandards.TheClearinghousehasacompletelistofsampleformsonitswebsite.
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Principle one: Safety Checklist Supervised Visitation ProgramsThisoptionalchecklisttrackstherequirementsofPrincipleOne:SafetyforallSupervisedVisitationPrograms(StandardsItoXVIII).
Compliance Measure RequirementMet
Program has written comprehensive policies and procedures. (Standard I) Y N Copies of policies and procedures have been given to all participants and referring sources. Each case file contains signatures and date on which the participants were given or informed of the policies and procedures. (Standard I)
Y N
Copies of written notices to the courts and referring agencies regarding any changes in Program operation, policies, procedures, or capacity. (Standard I) Y N Program has written checklist regarding premises safety and comfort plan. (Standard II) Y N Program has written policy as to the kinds of referrals it will accept. (Standard III) Y N In every individual case file there is at least one of the following:
A signed court order for supervised visitation (or an order with the same info in some other format) if the case is referred by the court or DCF/CBC; A completed Standard Referral Form (or form with the same info in another format) if the case is referred by DCF/CBC; or A referral from some other agency that assists families, or a self-referral, both with an agreement of the parties.
(Standard III)
Y N
Program has documentation affirming that participants were provided with copies or explanations of the Program’s comprehensive policies and procedures. (Standard III) Y N Program has signed copies of the Party’s Agreement with the Program (Standard III) Y N Program has a current copy on file of:
The Agreement with the Court The Agreement with DCF Annual Affidavits of Compliance
(Standard III)
Y N
Each case file includes documentation that a Danger Assessment was conducted. (Standard IV) Y N Copies of safety evaluations done by other entities which indicate domestic violence exists in the family are also kept on file. (Standard IV) Y N Each case file contains a copy of the Program’s Intake form. (Standard V) Y N Program has written protocol for rejecting cases. (Standard VI) Y N Program has written criteria for the termination or suspension of visits. (Standard VI) Y N Program has written protocol for notifying the referral source of the termination or suspension of visits. (Standard VI) Y N Program Discretion is included in Agreement with the Court. (Standard VII) Y N Program has written child orientation protocol. (Standard VIII) Y N Each case file includes a copy of the child orientation form. (Standard VIII) Y N Each case file includes the minimum mandatory documentation for case files. (Standard IX-A) Y N Each case file includes records of parent/child visits. (Standard IX-B) Y N Each case file includes summary and observation notes. (Standard IX-C) Y N Program has copies of any reports to the Court for random audit. (Standard IX) Y N Program has written policies on information-sharing, record maintenance, and destruction of records. (Standard IX) Y N Program has job descriptions specifying who is entitled to view files and a system by which the files are kept in a secure location. (Standard X) Y N Program has written policies concerning confidentiality and how release of case information is handled. (Standard X) Y N Program has written policies for formal and informal reviews of cases in which visits
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_________________________________________ ____________________ProgramDirectorSignature Date
ThisisasampleoptionalformdevelopedbytheClearinghousetoassistProgramDirectorswithachievingcompliancewiththenewStandards.TheClearinghousehasacompletelistofsampleformsonitswebsite.
Compliance Measure RequirementMet
Program has written policies for formal and informal reviews of cases in which visits have been accepted and in which visits are ongoing. (Standard XI) Y N Informal reviews of cases are notated in the case file at least every 60 days. (Standard XI) Y N Program Director or their designees must conduct and document a formal case review of each individual open case every 6 months, starting from date of first visit until case is closed. (Standard XI)
Y N
Formal reviews are documented, dated, and notated as to the staff who conducted the review. (Standard XI) Y N Program has written child safety policies and site practices on file which reflect the considerations of Standard XIII. Y N Program has written policies regarding cases of sexual abuse of file which reflect the content of Section XIV. Y N Program has a written gift policy and a consistent, verifiable process that ensures parents/visitors are sensitively informed of the policy at the time of visitation initiation. (Standard XV)
Y N
Program has proof of insurance. (Standard XVI) Y N If program offers off-site visitation in non-dependency cases, it must provide the following:
Proof of liability insurance which includes provision for off-site visitation Copies of court orders in all off-site visits which include a statement that off-site visitation is in the child’s best interest. Copies of Program policies and procedures specifically dealing with off-site security issues, including the Program’s right to decline referrals and/or decide not to offer any off-site visitation structure. Copies of Certificate of Completion of Clearinghouse’s “Off-site Considerations” Training. Copies of the Agreement with the Court enumerating the prerequisite requirements.
(Standard XVIII)
Y N
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optional Supervised Visitation Staff training Requirements (24 hrs)
Staff/Volunteer’sName:________________________________________DOB:_______________
ThisoptionalchecklisthelpstracktherequirementsofPrincipleTwo:StandardIIIforallSupervisedVisita-tionMonitors,Directors,volunteers,orinterns.Allstaffmusthavecompletedthesehoursbeforeengaginginunsupervisedcontactwiththefamilies.Additionalrequirementsmayalsoapplytosomepersonnel.
Training Topic Date/Hours
Date/Hours
Date/Hours
TotalHrs.
Program Policies and Procedures
Safety for all participants
Mandatory child abuse reporting
FL Standards and Statutes (Keeping Children Safe Act) Professional boundaries, conflict of interest, confidentiality
Basic Stages of development Effects of separation and divorce on children and families Grief/loss relating to parental separation and removal from the home due to child abuse/neglect
Cultural sensitivity, multiculturalism, and diversity
Danger assessments Family violence (domestic violence and the effects on children
Child maltreatment, including child sexual abuse
Substance abuse Service to parents/children with mental health/ developmental issues, phys./emotional impairment
Program documentation policies and philosophies
Parent introduction/re-introduction
Intervention to promote change
Parenting skills
Assertiveness training/conflict resolution How/when to intervene during visits / exchanges to maintain the safety of all participants
Preparation of factual observation notes and reports
TOTAL TRAINING HOURS CompletedY / N
Additional Notes (if any): ________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
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optional Dignity and Diversity Checklist
ThislisttrackstherequirementslistedinPrincipleThree:DignityandDiversity.Theserequirementsaretobeupdatedannually.
Compliance Measure Requirement Met Administrative files contain non-discriminatory practices statement signed by the Director. (Standard I) Y / N Administrative files contain evidence that each family is asked in Intake what they may need to make the service sensitive to the unique characteristics of that family. Verification through case file audit.
Y / N
Administrative files contain copies of job descriptions, recruitment material, outreach letters to community organizations, or other material demonstrating the Program has sought diverse staff/volunteers/interns. (Standard II)
Y / N
Administrative files contain documentation showing efforts to collaborate w/ the court, community agencies, and groups to facilitate the availability of bilingual staff within the last calendar year. (Standard III)
Y / N
Administrative files contain documentation showing efforts made to find funding for interpreters (if program has had to decline referrals because of lack of interpreters). Fliers, letters, meeting agendas, and summaries of phone conversations are acceptable forms of proof. (Standard III)
Y / N
Administrative files contain copy of written policy demonstrating that Program allows families under some circumstances to bring other adults or children to the visit or exchange. (Standard IV)
Y / N
Administrative files contain evidence of an annual review of Program forms, policies, procedures, and materials for cultural responsiveness, competence, and relevance – put in writing and placed in file, performed by the Director. (Standard V)
Y / N
Administrative files contain documentation of Multi-Cultural Efforts: date of multicultural review, any changes made to documents, and any outside assistance sought and/or obtained. (Standard V)
Y / N
Administrative files contain evidence of training in valuing multiculturalism (Standard V) – See “Supervised Visitation Staff Training Requirements” form (Principle Two: Standard III).
Y / N
Administrative files contain written copy of Program’s grievance procedure on file. (Standard VI) Y / N Administrative files contain form for all staff to sign regarding confidentiality. (Standard VII) Y / N Administrative files contain written policies regarding different levels of service compliance offered to families (e.g. individual visits, group visits)(Standard VIII)
Y / N
_________________________________________ ____________________ProgramDirectorSignature Date
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Checklist of Requirements for Principle Four: Community
PursuanttoPrincipleFour:StandardI,SupervisedVisitationandMonitoredExchangeProgramsstaffshouldbeknowledgeableaboutothercommunityagencies.Thefollowingisanoptionalformwhichlistscompliancemeasuresforthisstandard.
Compliance Measure Requirement
met
Program has a current listing of community resources, including a wide variety of services commonly accessed by families involved in the court system. Y / N
Program directors have contacted other agencies and organizations within the last calendar year to inform them of the Supervised Visitation Program’s mission, scope, and services.
Y / N
Logs or copies of written communication for the above compliance measure are attached. Y / N
Program has a written policy regarding scope and nature of services offered by the program, as well as policies about case-specific information sharing and waivers/releases allowing such.
Y / N
Transparent Collaboration in Individual Cases: Program has formal, written policies on file re: sharing confidential/identifying information with other groups/agencies (e.g. GAL, child advocacy center, rape crisis or domestic violence advocates, etc.)
Y / N
Voluntary consent forms have been signed by the involved parties in cases where identifying information has been shared. Y / N
Attachwrittenpoliciespertainingtothesecompliancemeasurestothischecklist.
_________________________________________ ____________________ProgramDirectorSignature Date
ThisisasampleoptionalformdevelopedbytheClearinghousetoassistProgramDirectorswithachievingcompliancewiththenewStandards.TheClearinghousehasacompletelistofsampleformsonitswebsite.
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CommIttee meetINg INFoRmatIoN
AllCommitteeMeetinginformationispostedon-lineandmaybeaccessedatanytimeviathefollowingpagelinks:
http://familyvio.csw.fsu.edu/TheInstituteforFamilyViolenceStudiesatFloridaStateUniversity(clickonClearinghouseforSupervisedVisitation)
http://familyvio.csw.fsu.edu/CHV.phpTheClearinghouseforSupervisedVisitation(underInformationforSupervisedVisitationPrograms,clickonMessageBoardandArchive)
http://familyvio.csw.fsu.edu/phpBB3/index.phpBoardIndex(clickon2008NewStandardsforSVtoaccessthewebsite)
http://familyvio.csw.fsu.edu/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=15)WorkingdocumentsoftheSupervisedVisitationStandardsAdvisoryCommitteearepostedhere,includingmonthlyschedulesformeetings,minutesforallmeetings,andworkingdraftsforconsideration/comments/recommendationsfromCommitteemembers,ProgramDirectors,andotherinterestedparties.
OthermaterialdesiredmaybereceivedinhardcopyformorelectronicallybycontactingtheClearinghouse:
Phone 850.644.6303
Email [email protected]
MailingAddress InstituteforFamilyViolenceStudies ClearinghouseonSupervisedVisitation CollegeofSocialWork FloridaStateUniversity 296ChampionsWay Tallahassee,FL32306-2570
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tRaININg mateRIaLS aVaILaBLe oN tHe CLeaRINgHoUSe WeBSIte
In addition to this Report and Standards, the Clearinghouse on Supervised Visitation has developed a substantial collection of work related to Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange.
• A Training Manual for Florida’s Supervised Visitation Programs,withadministrativesupplement,publishedin2006.
• Referrals to Supervised Visitation Programs: A Manual for Florida’s Judges,publishedin2004.
• TheonlypapernewsletterforFlorida’ssupervisedvisitationproviders:The Family Visitation Times,whichcontainsprogramnews,research,trainingmaterialsandastatewidedirectory,currentlypublishedtwiceayearsince1997.Backissuesarearchivedonthewebsite.
• Theonlynewsletterforthelegalsystemonsupervisedvisitationissues:The Bar & Bench Visitation Report,whichcontainsnews,research,andpracticalinformationformakingcourtreferralssafeandappropriate;currentlypublishedtwiceayearsince1999.Backissuesarearchivedonthewebsite.
• Child Sexual Abuse Referrals: A Curriculum for Supervised Visitation Providers.Thismanualwasalsocreatedin2003andproducedasanon-linecurriculumwithvideoandvoiceoverin2004.
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• A Toolkit for Collaboration between Florida’s College and Universities and Supervised Visitation Programs,firstprintedin2004,availablebothonlineandinhardcopy.
• A Toolkit for Monitored Exchange Services,firstprintedin2005,availableonlineandinhardcopy.
• TheDataBaseonSupervisedVisitation,andtrainingmaterial,includingaCD-Rom,exclusivelyforFlorida’sSupervisedVisitationProviders.Thisweb-basedDataBase,whichbeganservicein2005,tracksbothprogramandcaseinformation,andisavaluabletoolforindividualprogramsandforstatewidedata.TheDataBasebegancollectingdataonJanuary1,2005,andtodatereflectsdataonover56,000services(visits/exchanges).
• WebsiteforthepostingandarchivingofSVmaterial.Thiswebsiteisthesitethatholdsallofouron-linecurriculaandarchivednewsletters.
• SupervisedVisitationProgramAdministrativeMateri-als,whichincludeformsandsamplesofawidevarietyofadministrativedocuments.
• Monthlyepressesforemailcommunicationandquarterlymemoranda,archivedonthewebsite.
• TechnicalassistanceandtrainingtoFloridaprograms,theiradvisorycommittees,andprobonocounsel.
• Researchonsupervisedvisitation,includingarticlespublishedonlineandinlawreviews.